UNP Galle district leader Vajira Abeywardena said that he will always remain loyal to the UNP and the ‘Elephant’ symbol as a dedicated people’s representative who has completed two decades plus in the political firmament.

"During my 23 years in politics, I have always remained with the UNP and under no circumstances will I abandon the party I have steadfastly worked for", he pledged.

Addressing a press conference in Galle last week, Abeywardena said that he was able to win the Galle seat for his party during the last presidential poll as the people supported and stood by him because of his principles and profound commitment to the cause of serving the masses.

He said that the common people are going through untold economic hardships today because the prices of essential commodities have soared. Rice and other consumer goods are virtually beyond the reach of the average man.

When the UNP forms a government on April 8, concrete measures will be taken to bring down the price of essential goods and ease the burden of the long-suffering people, he noted.

"This government should be taught a lesson through the ballot for heaping burdens on the masses", Abeywardena stressed.