UNP UK Branch Celebrates 35th Anniversary in Style

UNP UK Branch Celebrates 35^th Anniversary in Style

Report & Pictures by UNP UK Branch

22nd October 2011 was a very important day for the United National Party UK Branch. A large gathering of members and well wishers of UNP arrived at Dil Se Banqueting Lounge in South Harrow to celebrate the 35^th anniversary of its UK Branch.

Party’s General Secretary Mr Tissa Attanayake represented the party in Sri Lanka and its leader Hon. Ranil Wickramasinghe. Mr Harshaka Kannangara started the proceedings and invited the General Secretary and executive committee members to light the traditional oil lamp. Mr Harsha Siriwardane, president of the Branch welcomed the gathering. He highlighted the role the Branch played over the last 35 years by serving the Sri Lankan Diaspora. He thanked the party leader, deputy leaders and the general secretary for the support and guidance given to the Branch. He also highlighted that they have launched a membership drive after revamping the Branch activities after the leader’s intervention last year.

Mr Tissa Attanayake addressed the gathering and informed them of the current political situation in Sri Lanka. He pointed out that the party has now entered the winning path with the victory of Colombo Municipal Council. He did not forget to mention about the contributions made by the Branch to the mother party and thanked the executive committee for organising such a successful event at a time the party was in opposition. He also mentioned that it was encouraging to see the enthusiasm with in Sri Lankan community in the UK towards the UNP. He pledged that the party will work hard to topple the corrupt regime and establish a stable and accountable UNP led government.

Mr Harshaka Kannangara thanked the party leader, deputy leaders and general secretary for sending messages to the souvenir and the general secretary for his presence to make the event a success. He also thanks all the members for their support. He also said that without their support anything would not have been possible.

Another remarkable event took place after that and it was to launch “ Tissa”, the biography of Mr Attanayake in London. Senior journalist Mr Chatura Vidyaratne introduced who Kudabanda Tissa Attanayake was. A village boy from Kandy who fell in love with UNP politics started his journey from a small beginning and today holds the highest administrative position of the party, the office of general secretary. He mentioned that Tissa was a very sensitive, kind and humanitarian who understood the pulse of the people who he represents. Mr Attanayake handed over copies of the book to some long standing party supporters.

Everyone enjoyed mouth watering authentic Asian buffet provided by Dil Se and danced to the tunes of famous Sanga band.

For membership enquiries please contact Harsha, 07958309011, Chinthaka 07944397457 and Harshaka 07711506493. Copies of the book “Tissa” can also be obtained by contacting the above telephone numbers.