The presidential hopeful of the United National Front (UNF), Minister Sajith Premadasa says he would contest in the upcoming election under the ‘Swan’ symbol.

The Minister stated this speaking at the press conference held following the Working Committee meeting of the United National Party (UNP).

He appealed to everyone to support him on the national movement to build a “new Sri Lanka”.

Responding to questions on the abolishment of the Executive Presidency, the UNF presidential aspirant said they would go ahead with the programme that was implemented in this regard.

Media persons then asked Minister Premadasa if he would accept the support of President Sirisena-led group’s support for the election. He responded that he would welcome the support of any politician who would embrace the policies he believes in.

Earlier today, the Working Committee unanimously decided to name Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa as the UNF’s candidate for the Presidential Election 2019.

The UNP Working Committee convened a meeting at 3.00 p.m. today at the party headquarters – Sirikotha, to finalize the UNF’s presidential candidate.

During the meeting UNP leader Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had reportedly proposed the name of Minister Sajith Premadasa for candidacy and the Working Committee had unanimously approved it, sources said.

Addressing the Working Committee, the Prime Minister had stated that the UNF had handed over the responsibility of selecting the Presidential Candidate to the UNP.

He added that the opinion of many was to take a decision without causing a division in the party and that they will be moving forward according to the policies.

Wickremesinghe then declared that the party will now have to join together with the other political parties in the alliance and discuss on how to win the election.