Sri Lanka presidential election to feature new alliance: minister 

United National Party (UNP) General Secretary and Minister of Education Akila Viraj Kariyawasam stated that a new broad political alliance – led by UNP leader and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe – would be announced ahead of the upcoming presidential election.

Kariyawasam noted that the alliance was to be formed based on the interests of national security, democracy and the economy, and that the agreement is expected to be signed with partnering entities in August.

Speaking to the media, Minister of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said the new alliance would be known as the ‘Democratic National Front.’

He explained that both the constitution of the alliance and symbol had been finalised while the manifesto was being prepared.

According to Senaratne, the new alliance plans to invite like-minded civil society organisations to join it: “We come as the Democratic National Front. We even present the flag in different colours. We build the alliance with a leadership council.”