Time for UNP leader to name a successor

THE United National Party (UNP) convention which is scheduled for coming Saturday has been postponed due to the ill health of its leader, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

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No new date was announced for the holding of the convention which was meant to showcase new found Opposition unity with representatives from different political parties in attendance.

Wickremesinghe's health issues came to the fore when it was highlighted in the Colombo Fort Magistrate court hearings following his arrest. His lawyers told the court of the many health complications that the former President is ailing from, and it was the main ground on which he was given bail.

Doctors treating him at the National Hospital also gave details of the heart, kidney and other ailments that he suffers from. It's not often politicians in the country speak openly about their health issues but in the case of the UNP leader it is very much in the public domain now and a topic of discussion among the public.

It has also given rise to questions on whether Wickremesinghe can remain in active politics given the many ailments he suffers from. It's a valid question but one that his close supporters dismiss as reading too much into his health issues.