New Democratic Front MP Ravi Karunanayake has accused two prominent members of the UNP of deliberately destabilising the party.

Speaking at a media briefing, MP Karunanayake stated that it was clear these two individuals were working to undermine the UNP.

He went on to claim that party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe had been “taken hostage,” by those individuals.

“I am currently the only member capable of presenting the UNP’s programmes in Parliament. Yet, these two members have shown us no respect, treating us like outsiders and excluding us from key decisions,” Karunanayake said.

“We are not even being informed about party meetings; this is clearly a stepmotherly treatment.”

Karunanayake further claimed that the two individuals were only focused on fighting for leadership positions within the party, such as the Chairmanship or the post of General Secretary, instead of prioritising unity and collaboration for the party’s future.

The MP also expressed concern that the actions of these individuals might be part of a larger conspiracy, questioning whether they were being orchestrated by external forces.

In response to rumours suggesting that he had approached the SJB, Karunanayake strongly denied the claims, asserting that such rumours were being spread by the two members working to undermine the UNP.

“These rumours are nothing more than attempts to discredit me, orchestrated by those who are sabotaging the party from within,” he said.