Over a period spanning half a century, the United National Party has established an unparalleled record of service to Sri Lanka, spearheading Sri Lanka's remarkable economic and social progress. The United National Party has established itself firmly as the strongest single political party of the country.
As the Hon D S Senanayake, the pioneer and founder of the United National Party stated in the opening address on the 6Th of September 1946 at 'Palm Court' in Albert Crescent on the occasion of the inauguration of the United National Party:
"The constitution with which this Island has been endowed requires a government backed by a firm and disciplined majority. It also required a strong party. We are not, as our opponents wishfully think we are, a temporary coalition formed for the purpose of winning seats at the first election. We are a permanent organization designed to act on a constitutional policy in The House of Representatives whether as the government or in opposition."
The United National Party, in the fullest sense of the expression, is a united and national organization. This is because the United National Party has been constituted to enable comprehensive representation of all racial, social and other groups.
Quite appropriately, Hon D S Senanayake was appointed the Founder- President of the United National Party. This great helmsman, responsible for the destiny of this land, organized the party with a far-sighted vision of the future well-being of the Nation.
The records of the early days of the party also bear witness to many others who gave their unstinting support and co-operation in those early days. Following were the founder office bearers: Vice Presidents S W R D Bandaranaike, T B Jayah, Arunachalam Mahadeva, S Natesan, J L Kotalawela and George Ede Silva; Joint Treasurers AR A Razik and J R Jayewardene; and the Secretary, H W Amarasuriya.
At the Founding of the Party we had just 205 members. Fifty years later, today ,the membership has swelled to 1.4 million.
The United National Party was responsible for the Administration of the country for 31 years of its 50 year history. During the remaining nineteen years, the United National Party, while being in the Opposition, has addressed itself to the task of maintaining the momentum of progress along the path it initiated.
When we view the evolution of this country in historical perspective, the outstanding service rendered by the United National Party to this country by winning Independence, becomes crystal clear, After releasing the nation from the yoke of the British Empire and gaining political freedom, the United National Party turned to the colossal task of winning economic freedom - indispensable for the achievement of an independent nationhood.
The United National Party is the only political party that has been represented in Parliament without an interruption, since Independence.
The United National Party is also the only political party that has contested all elections held since the country won Independence.
The United National Party that has recorded such innumerable achievements and triumphs in the field of politics, brought into being an outstanding line of national leaders as well.
