On this occasion several long-standing UNPers of Weligama who had left the party were granted membership of the SLFP. Over 500 people who were supporting the UNP joined the SLFP including the UNPLeader of the Opposition of the Weligama PS, Pushpakumara Bettage.

The membership enrollment forms of these new SLFP members were accepted by Hemal Gunasekara on this occasion.

The Matara District Group Leader of the SLFP candidates ex-Provincial Minister Hemala Gunasekara commenting on the good work done by the late UNP Minister, Major Montague Jayawickrama for the well-being of the people in Weligama said that the UNP today was not what it was then. However, he (Hemal) had no grudge against any political party and that he would welcome any person from any political party at any time at his home and listen to them and attend to their problems and his gate was opened all 24 hours of the day. He requested the voters to re-elect him with a clear majority so as to obtain the chief ministerial post for Matara.

Daya Pushpakumara Bettage former UNP Leader of the Opposition, Weligama PS said that the UNP which had no discipline had asked him to appear before its disciplinary committee to explain why he had left the party.

Jayantha Kidituwakku, vice Chairman, Weligama PS, Kelun Seneviratne, former Mayor of Galle, Mahinda Kulatunge, PS Member, Ms. Kamala Herath, formerly Secretary of UNP Women’s Organisation, Kamburugamuwa were among other speakers.