The United National Party marks its 80th anniversary today (6 September), with a special commemorative programme held under the patronage of party leader and former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The anniversary celebrations commenced at 9:00 AM today at Sirikotha, the United National Party headquarters in Pitakotte.

The party was founded on September 6, 1946 at the Palm Court Mansion in Colombo. D.S. Senanayake was elected as the party's first leader, while H.W. Amarasuriya was appointed Secretary, and prominent Muslim leader Sir Razik Fareed alongside J.R. Jayewardene were elected as Co-Treasurers.

The colour green was selected as the official party colour, with the elephant, as the largest land animal, chosen as its official symbol.

Since its inception in 1946, the party has been steered by prominent political leaders including D.S. Senanayake, Dudley Senanayake, John Kotelawala, J.R. Jayewardene, and Ranasinghe Premadasa.

Following the death of Ranasinghe Premadasa, Ranil Wickremesinghe assumed UNP’s leadership and has continued to serve as its leader to date.