The United National Party (UNP) Working Committee (WC) has unanimously decided to suspend 99 members who had submitted nominations through the Samagi Jana Balavegaya to contest the forthcoming general elections. UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam on Wedensday announced that the party would suspend the party memberships of those who have joined other political parties and are planning to contest the general election under such political parties. The UNP called for explanations from the members facing suspension, stating that appropriate action would be taken after considering the matter before the party’s Working Committee . Kariyawasam stated that several UNP members have obtained nominations from other political parties for the forthcoming parliamentary election. “Any member who wishes to have his name included in the nomination list as a candidate of another political party is mandated in terms of Article 3(c) of the UNP Party Constitution to obtain prior approval from the WC of the UNP." "The members in question have not complied with Article 3(c) of the (UNP) Constitution and have not obtained prior approval of the WC. The said conduct of the members has compelled the Leader of the UNP to act in terms of Article 3(h) of the Party Constitution in order to protect and safeguard the best interest of the party,” Kariyawasam stated issuing a statement. Kariyawasam further noted that several candidates have now expressed their regret for having taken the course of action to contest from other political parties. “However, acting in terms of Article 3(h) of the Party Constitution, letters have been sent out to all members who had placed their names on the nomination lists of other political parties, calling for their explanations. Any explanation which will be forthcoming from the members will be placed before the WC of the UNP at its next meeting for appropriate action,” Kariyawasam has added.