Sri Lanka Opposition Leader refuses to step down, accuses pro-reformists of trying to create a clash

Sri Lanka's Opposition Leader and leader of the United National Party (UNP) Ranil Wickremasinghe says that he is "everybody's leader" and that the pro-reforms group led by Sajith Premadasa in the party was trying to create a clash at the party's Working Committee meeting.

Wickremasinghe made a special statement to the press today and said the only matter to be discussed at the Working Committee would be the forthcoming local government elections.

The pro-reforms group has called the public to participate in a rally to send the "Dictator Ranil Home" on August 17 at 2:00 pm in front of the party headquarters SiriKotha where the Working Committee meeting is to take place.

Wickremasinghe said the pro-reformists were trying to prevent the appointment of the nominations board for the local government elections.

He added that those who participate in the sathyagraha organized by the pro-reformists would not be considered members of the party.

Wickremasinghe stubbornly said that he is not willing to answer to accusations leveled by the reformist group. However, Wickremasinghe said that he is everybody's leader including the ones who are criticizing him.

The reformists say it has been proven that from the past several elections that the present government has no challenge from the opposition under Wickremasinghe's leadership and removing Wickremasinghe from the leadership is the first step to remove the present government from power.