Candidacy, only if people want me - Karu | Page 2 | Sunday Observer

Candidacy, only if people want me - Karu

21 April, 2019

As speculation continues about the presidential hopefuls from both main political factions in this year’s election, Speaker of Parliament Karu Jayasuriya said he would accept the candidacy and join the race only if there was a common demand from the people for him to do so.

Speaker Jayasuriya told reporters after calling on the Mahanayake Theras of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters in Kandy yesterday, that he had never demanded positions, but only accepted them to serve the people when they were bestowed on him.

He said he joined the United National Party, having been given the Mayoral post, made the party’s chairman and deputy leader, an Ambassador, a minister and Speaker solely at the request of others.

“I did not ask for any of these positions,” Speaker Jayasuriya said adding that any future presidential would also depend on calls by the public.

“I will not apply for these positions, but if destiny creates an avenue and calls on me to play a role to safeguard democracy in the country, I will consider taking it up,” he said, referring to the candidacy.

The Speaker said that the two upcoming elections - the Presidential election and the Provincial Council elections were due in 2019, and said it was his hope that both polls will be held in time. 

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