As of yesterday, the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) members, chosen for candidacy, started signing their nomination papers. In most cases, the lists have been sorted out. But, a serious problem had arisen in the preparation of the Gampaha District list.
Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has examined the list and expressed her strong objection to the inclusion of Western Province Chief Minister Prasanna Ranatunga, Western Provincial Council Members Samanmali Sakalasuriya and Sahan Pradeep as candidates on the UPFA ticket.
All these members were in the forefront in the campaign to bring back former President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Prime Ministerial candidate.
Alongside, there was yet another reason for her to scorn nomination to Mr. Ranatunga. His two brothers- Arjuna Ranatunga and Ruwan Ranatunga- are also seeking nomination from the same district.
They are, in fact, close aides of President Maithripala Sirisena.
Mrs. Kumaratunga has come out with the excuse that nomination could not be given to three persons from the same family.
It has led to discontent within the UPFA. Mr. Rajapaksa was fighting tooth and nail to make sure that Prasanna Ranatunga secures nomination.
Some UPFA seniors opined that the matter could be sorted out within the next couple of days.
