UNP deputy leader Ruwan Wijewardena has decided not to contest the upcoming general election.
His decision follows the failure of talks he had led with the SJB at forming a common alliance between them for the polls.
Wijewardena has informed party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe of his decision.
Wickremesinghe has reportedly asked him to reconsider it, urging him to contest.
The UNP’s contesting on its own under the ‘gas cylinder’ symbol shows divisions in the opposition, which will discourage voters from voting, noted Wijewardena.
Supporters could be reinvigorated if the UNP allies with the SJB, he went onto say.
He assured the leader of his active contributions to the party at the election.
Wickremesinghe as well as assistant leader Akila Viraj Kariyawasam have also decided not to contest the parliamentary polls.
