RANJAN RAMANAYAKA EXPLAINS ....

An explanation about the name A.A. Ranjan Ramanayaka the popular film star for whom
nominations have been given for Gampaha District under the name A.A. Ranjan Ramanayaka Sadda Vidda has been sent to us. Accordingly what he states is that it has been used for the purpose to shorten his true name. He says that he has used the name Ambakumara Alfonsu Ranjan Ramanayaka before this even at previous elections. In this case he says that he did not change the name on purpose as such. 

Two candidates who have given nominations from the UNP this time from Gampaha District have engaged in marking the letter 'A' in front of their name with the motive of grabbing No. 1 position.

One of them happens to be popular film star Ranjan Ramanayaka while the other is the former MP, Ajith Mannapperuma. Ranjan has marked his name as A.A. Ranjan Ramanayaka Sadda Vidda. On the other hand Ajith Mannapperuma has noted down his name as A. Ajith Kumara Mannappruma. (Actually whether he had 'A' in front of his name, we are not aware of). Though Ranjan had marked two letters with 'A' according to alphabetical system, he may get No. 2 instead of No.1.

Though media reports were published about the investigation regarding the individual who changed the birth certificate by using the name A.A.A.A. from the UNP at the Western Provincial Council Elections last year, no problem had arisen where he was concerned in securing No. 1. However, Ranjan Ramanayaka had criticized that act at a public rally those days asking, "A.A.A.A. .... do people have names like that?"