The United National Party is commemorating its 75th Anniversary today.
The UNP was founded on the 6th of September 1946 by Don Stephen Senanayake, who later became the first Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.
The UNP also referred to as the Grand Old Party had been the governing party from 1947 to 1956, from 1965 to 1970, from 1977 to 1994, 2001 to 2004, and 2015 to 2019.
The UNP is celebrating its 75th Anniversary amidst an electoral setback in 2020.
Accordingly, the party had introduced several reforms to take the people, the UNP and the country forward.
Meanwhile, UNP’s diamond jubilee celebrations were held yesterday in Colombo.
Due to the prevailing coronavirus situation in the country, UNP Anniversary celebrations were held virtually with the summit being broadcast via YouTube, Facebook and Zoom technology.
During the Anniversary celebrations, the National Plan for the Building of Sri Lanka was unveiled by the Leader of the UNP, former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Addressing the summit, UNP Leader Wickremesinghe said the national plan covers all sectors of the country, based on key issues such as economic security, health care, environmental protection and knowledge security.
The UNP Leader emphasised the importance of having uniform policies and programmes for the country and noted it should not change every time an election is held.
The former Prime Minister said the UNP will be able to recreate the great Sri Lanka under a short-term plan, alongside a long-term program to revive the economy and rebuild the country.
Former Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said based on the short-term program they will aim to build the country’s economy and provide relief to improve the living standards of the people.
The former Premier noted that the UNP is moving forward as a new party after its 75th anniversary.
The Former Prime Minister noted that the UNP can create a united Sri Lanka that brings together all communities, Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims and Burghers.
The UNP Leader said they are focused on building a country that protects democracy, human freedom and women’s rights through the “Greater Sri Lanka” program.
Former Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said the UNP which was instrumental in winning independence will always work to preserve the freedom gained, to establish democracy, to create a Sri Lankan identity and to take the country towards development.
UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe extended an open invitation to the youth and all Sri Lankans to join the programme initiated by the party and build a strong nation.
