Several UNP organizers in the Colombo District who turned down a request from the party leadership to contest the Western Provincial Council elections are likely to resign from their posts shortly, according to sources.

They had refrained from contesting PC polls as they considered it infra dig to do so, sources said. They may also have been influenced by the defeat of Neranjan Wijeratne in the Central Province at the recently concluded PC polls. He had entered the fray against his will, as he could not turn down the UNP leader’s request.

Although the party had not officially asked organisers to contest or resign, an indication to that effect had been given, sources said.

Among the prominent UNP organizers not contesting the PC polls are Dr. Karunasena Kodituwakku (Kolonnawa), Rosie Senanayake (Colombo West) and Bodhi Ranasinghe (Colombo East).

Former minister Dr. Kodituwakku, contacted for comment, said the question of his resignation did not arise, as the party had made no decision to remove organizers who did not contest PC polls. "Some misunderstanding may have led to that kind of speculation," he said.

Ms Senanayake told The Island that it was not mandatory for organizers to contest PC polls and therefore she had not entered the fray. She said there were many UNP organizers who did not contest PC elections.

UNP stalwart Bodhi Ranasinghe said he would not contest. He had duly informed the party leadership of his decision. If the party made it mandatory for organizer to contest PC polls, he said, he would resign.

"I will announce my decision after the nominations are over," Ranasinghe said.