Deputy Leader of the UNP Sajith Premadasa has sent a message to the party leadership saying he would take the responsibility of UNP Kurunegala District parliamentarian Ashoka Abeysinghe if the disciplinary inquiry against him is topped by the party, UNP sources said.

Premadasa has said that he would ensure that Abeysinghe would not attend the rally in Hyde Park on the 18th and that he would personally take it upon himself to attack those who participate in the event.

Former Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya and UNP MPs Palitha Range Bandara and Abeysinghe had met with the mahanayake theros on the 17th to get their blessings to attend the joint protest on the 18th. Chief Incumbent of the Malwatte Chapter had said that the protest was likely to weaken the opposition instead of strengthening it.

Range Bandara had said that he would attend the rally even if is sent to the gallows. Jayasuriya had however remained silent. Abeysinghe had said his decision would be based on the party’s response towards the disciplinary inquiry initiated against him.

The Chief Incumbent of the Asgiri Chapter had said that all opposition members should attend the rally on the 18th.