Ranil seeks to slash powers of party leader in UNP constitution

Former Prime Minister and leader of the United National Party (UNP) Ranil Wickremesinghe has advised UNP lawyers to look in to the powers and functions of the party leader under the present UNP constitution and prepare a discussion paper to propose necessary amendments, sources close to Wickremesinghe said.

This move came amidst concerns by seniors in the party that the powers of the party leader under the present party constitution are excessive and therefore has to be revised.

Under the provisions of the party constitution, the party leader is appointed for a term of six years and cannot be removed from the post during the tenure.

Party seniors have reportedly suggested to Wickremesinghe that these provisions in the constitution be reviewed.

As a result of these concerns, the party leader has asked lawyers to prepare a discussion paper on the necessary changes to be made so this can be discussed and debated by the members of the party and finally adopted by the Working Committee.