Got mandate to uplift country, not engage in elections – President

The United National Party (UNP) says that President Ranil Wickremesinghe has officially informed the party that he will not be involved in any activity related to the Local Government elections. 
A statement from the UNP notes that the President officially communicated this to party seniors yesterday (03).
 
Noting that he was given a mandate not to engage in elections, but to uplift the country within two years, the President had informed the party leaders he is not prepared to violate this.

He had told them that he is only ready to chair the UNP Working Committee in keeping with tradition if the UNP wants to contest the LG polls.

He had also informed the UNP seniors that if the party decides to contest the LG polls, 40% of the candidates should be fresh faces.

The President had also noted funds have been allocated for only 4,000 elected representatives, while the rest should declare whether they will serve for free with no salary or benefits.
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