By Malinda Seneviratne –
This should have been easy. It has been easy all these years. Hold election, release results, count numbers, pick the leader of the party which returned the most candidates to Parliament and appoint him/her as Prime Minister. Then Parliament convenes, the Speaker is elected, the Leader of the Opposition is selected and Cabinet is appointed. Seems pretty straightforward.
It seems easy because not only does the the United National Front for Good Governance (UNFGG) have 106 seats, the coalition’s main ally, Maithripala Sirisena has effectively looted the runner-up, the United People’s Freedom Party (UPFA), dragging its main constituent the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) out AND placing in the UPFA’s driving seat, i.e. the post of General Secretary, a loyalist. Adding insult to injury, violating all norms of decency and giving the proverbial finger to the spirit of democracy, Sirisena smuggled into Parliament 7 loyalists who had been rejected at the polls. Those 7 owe him. Add 7 to 106 and you get 113. That’s an absolute majority.
There’s a price to pay though, apparently. The President wants his party to be part of the Government; hence all this talk of a ‘National Government’. Negotiations between the UNP and the SLFP to divide the ministerial cake, and machinations to secure preferred portfolios to divide the goodies are natural outcomes.
It cannot be easy for Ranil Wickremesinghe, Leader of the UNP. If we didn’t have the 19th Amendment there’d be a long line of MPs outside the PM’s door virtually begging for party membership and a portfolio. But Article 46 (1) of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution limits the Cabinet to 30 members and so Wickremesinghe cannot (unlike Mahinda Rajapaksa) wave portfolio carrots at the Opposition.
A minority government is clearly an option but he would have to count on the JVP or the TNA to remain neutral in the event of a No-Confidence Motion. It’s a risk.
As big a risk is what’s currently under discussion. The term ‘national’ is being used too easily. Politicians can use any word or term to describe even the polar opposite of its meaning. We saw what JR Jayewardene’s ‘Dharmista Samaajaya’ was all about. It’s English version was ‘A just and free society’. We saw that ‘justice’ and we experienced that ‘freedom’. The current avatar of that is yahapaalanaya. The first signs are not hopeful. But just so people know what’s what, a dictionary definition might help.
NATIONAL: na·tion·al. ˈnaSH(ə)n(ə)l. Adjective. Of or relating to a nation; common to or characteristic of a whole nation. Example: “This policy may have been in the national interest.”
Now consider the word/term ‘coalition’ and things become more clear:
COALITION: co·a·li·tion. kōəˈliSH(ə)n. Noun. An alliance for combined action, especially a temporary alliance of political parties forming a government. Example: “A coalition of conservatives and disaffected democrats”.
It looks like the compilers of this dictionary were looking at Sri Lanka’s current political situation!
These distinctions are immaterial as far as constitutional article and its interpretation are concerned. Let’s look at what the 19th Amendment says about ‘national’.
There is ambiguity in Article 46 (4) and 46 (5) of the 19th Amendment. In a situation where no single party obtains an absolute majority there’s provision for a ‘National Government’ [46(4)], with ‘National’ defined in 46(5) as ‘A Government formed by the party that obtains the highest number of seats together with other recognized political parties or independent groups (emphasis mine).’ The interjection of the word ‘all’ or else ‘any’ before ‘other’ would have resolved the issue. As it stands the courts may have to interpret whether a UNP-SLFP affair is legitimate or whether it should be a grand orgy of the political. Speaking of courts, we have to say that the President has demonstrated that he’s no different from his predecessors. Read, ‘he can sway’.
Even if that issue is resolved there’s the inherent problem of ‘living together’ with people who have sorry track records as ministers and those who have been rejected by the electorate, not to mention the trust-deficit of those who don’t give a hoot to things like ‘mandates’. Presidential machinations have not helped, this must also be noted.
Ranil Wickremesinghe obviously believes that this coalition/national government is best under the circumstances. If his conclusions are drawn from promises made in the run up to the Presidential Election, there’s something to applaud there. It might imply that he is serious about securing the numbers necessary for reforms as envisaged in the now dusty 20th Amendment, a Code of Conduct for Parliamentarians and the Right to Information Act in the main. If these can be done in the honeymoon period of this strange marriage, then even if it ends on the rocks, the people would have benefitted.
There are many, however, who can pull the rug from under his feet. He knows what Chandrika Kumaratunga did to him in late 2003. He knows there’s no love lost between the UNP and the SLFP. He knows all about political machinations to retain power. He knows that his own party’s human resources are pretty thin. He knows that there are sections of the Opposition that will not suffer in silence the errors of his Ministers, especially in dealing with the Eelam lobby or those that feed Eelamist projects knowingly or unknowingly.
He has ‘top men’ who have dubious track records, some as ministers (in the last 8 months) and some in the party who did nothing during those long years in the Opposition but emerged just as the tide turned. He has good men of integrity that he brought in through the National List in 2010 who have not only served him well but have won the approval of the people at the polls. So there are those who will strengthen him and others who will drag him down. And then he has to deal with the Mother of All Enemies: Self.
He needs no more proof that Maithripala Sirisena is a shrewd politician who will use the still considerable powers of his office to achieve his objectives (he thinks nothing of dumping mandates in trash cans). At the right time.
It is not easy for Wickremesinghe. But for better or worse, the majority of the people have placed trust in him. He has to be clear. Forthright. Courageous. And look over his shoulder from time to time.
Upul / August 29, 2015
Just when my feelings to Malinda were warming up, due to last article, he decides to give us all an essay in English! Seriously?
The thought never occurred to you over the last 9 years to do that to the gamayas who ran the show? Let alone English, they did not even understand Sinhalese.
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Navin / August 29, 2015
Oh, ho, Malinda trying to be a patriot? Samuel Johnson wrote: ‘Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel’
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mike / August 29, 2015
Malinda Seneviratne, Rajafucksa shill and white washer, why don’t you just ….. from these columns?
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Amarasiri / August 29, 2015
Malinda Seneviratne , Shill and white-washer of Mahinda Rajapaksa
RE: Prime Ministerial Headaches
Can you talk about Mahinda Rajapaksa and Gotabaya Rajapaksa Headaches?
This is what Sandhya Eknaligoda is saying.
Video: I ask for justice & truth. Malinda wants to Shill For the Rajapaksa Mafia.
I am only asking to reveal the truth , and nothing but the truth. That is the responsibility of the CID. I am asking the IGP to disclose the facts unearthed so far in accordance with the laws. That is the best message which can be conveyed to those journalists and Rajapakses who are living and flourishing on lies, Sandya pointed out.
Herunder is the video tape of the statement made by her following the media briefing to the Vikalpa web site
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWRVAI81CNU&feature=youtu.be
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K.A Sumanasekera / August 29, 2015
This Yahapalanay is like our customary arranged marriages.
We have the all powerful Groom who is secure as no, no confidence motion can do him in.
The Bride on the other hand is meek because he/she must not only please the husband but the Kapuwa ( Marriage Broker ) as well.
And the broker being a dragon lady makes it even harder for the Bride.
Unlike our traditional marriage Brokers this one has other interests than just the commission.
For example , this broker wants both the Groom and the Bride to take revenge from her opponents first.
Then She wants to weaken the UNP so that her two offsprings have a chance in 2020 onwards.in an Elite , Christian dominated SLFP , because the real SLFP really hates her bowels.
She might even succeed because the Ranil and his Elite , Anglican , and Vellala faction will be under threat from the Sinhala Buddhist Faction if Tony Blair Biswall , RAW, and UN in Geneva hold the blow torch up the backside of the Bride and hijack the agenda.
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Upasiri de Silva / August 29, 2015
Malinda is of the opinion that all politicians from the UNP and SLFP/UPFA are self seeking individuals not interested in taking action to clear the cobwebs of corruption. I think he is correct, and his words about some Ministers trying to sleep with the LTTE Diaspora. Is also a worthy mentioning for PM Ranil W to look after them. Not for these affiliations PM Ranil should have avoided the CB Governors problem. We supported President Maithree to create a corruption free country as our younger generation needs to live, but if some seeking to be Ministers are from the Old Corruption block. If we allow them to become Ministers.
The controversy about National Government or Hath Haula is a very difficult word to explain as most think it should include every political party. But the 19A wording is to form a government with willing parties, and not to stick to the meaning of National as given in the Oxford Dictionary. Any how I am very happy Malinda is trying to come out from his habit of praising Mahinda for a very good course, as he is a. Very capable person to discuss the shortcomings of the present National government.
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Off The Wall / August 29, 2015
HACK
adjective
Definition of HACK
1. working for hire especially with mediocre professional standards
2. performed by, suited to, or characteristic of a hack
3. hackneyed, trite
[Merriam-Webster Dictionary]
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Sara / August 29, 2015
Crocodile tears!
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dcn / August 29, 2015
It is tough task for Ranulph to manage such a ciliate on but he will emerge victorious.
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Jango / August 29, 2015
Malinda. you really have some gall to say that Maithripala adds “… insult to injury, violating all norms of decency and giving the proverbial finger to the spirit of democracy ” whilst defending your idol MR all throughout his corrupt administration (where it was not just “the finger” he gave to democracy, but went the ‘whole monty’)!
Don’t you even now think that MR “violated all norms of decency and gave the proverbial finger to the spirit of democracy”, not to mention the innumerable other laws he broke (for which, hopefully he will be prosecuted and punished)?
Your views no longer make any sense because they are chock full of double standards and refuse to acknowledge the truth that MR and his gang were nothing but a band of brigands looting the country for personal benefit.
Whatever ‘credibility’ you may have had in the past is now shot (as no doubt you have gathered from the loads of comments that you get), so give us a break!
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Kalupahana / August 29, 2015
Good analysis Malinda Seniviratne – you seem to be the only journalist doing any sort of critical analysis and making any sense these days!
Indeed the term ‘national’ is being used too liberally, It seems to be Sirisena’s favorite word to cover up his lack of moral and intellectual capital, and the dregs in his national list of corrupt SLFP clowns. The UNP-SLFP MOU is a joke, as long as the cross over culture for perks and positions for the corrupt politicians exists. This is what should be blocked in a constitutional amendment.
Patronage politics is at work, and the dog fight among greedy politicians for position, power, money and perks is on. The politicians are a Caste of corrupt blood suckers with no moral integrity and a curse on Lanka – living the high life with their parliamentary privileges and winning and dinning at the Diyawenna Oya Luxury Hotel on tax payers monies.
Ranil should stick to 10 Cabinet Members and say in the name of good governance there cannot be more Cabinet posts and the people can decide the rest. Ranil should ask TNA and JVP to support. This would be the courageous and honest and best route. The cross over culture must end.
Corrupt, greedy and self-seeking politicians are the bane of this country. In the meantime Pathal Champika is making his move to turn the uNP into the Sinhala Urumeeya Party. Watch his moves carefully. He is the most Dangerous, greedy and ambitious of them all, because he is a Sinhala Buddhist Fundamentalist, who is an insult to the Buddha.
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hansro / August 29, 2015
With the support of MS, Ranil will soon overcome these difficulties.Majority of people in this country has faith in Ranil. He has a good team and will deliver the goods. Its a matter of time.
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Dodo / August 29, 2015
Right on Malinda! Only the JVP is asking sensible questions and being accountable at this time.
Sirisena wants a cabinet of 90 corrupt politicians in the name of a National Government for god knows what?! Sri Lanka’s president soon will be the laughing stock of the world!
If Ranil agrees to more than 30 cabinet members in ALL, it would be a betrayal of the good governance agenda wholesale, because how can a cabinet full of corrupt clowns be expected to investigate themselves and straighten out the corrupt institutions like the Bribery Commission and the AGs office?
This exercise of a 90 plus Cabinet that consist of the UNP and SLFP which is really SINHALA NATIONAL GOVERNMENT is contrary to all logic of good governance and the slimy interview of the so-called Minister of Justice on this matter is a Joke!
Sobith Thero and the civil society movement for good governance should intervene and ask Ranil to limit the Cabinet to 25 and not to let Sirisena do what he wants with his national list of corrupt SLFPer.
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nimal fernando / August 29, 2015
[Adding insult to injury, violating all norms of decency and giving the proverbial finger to the spirit of democracy]
Malinda,
Great, at least at this belated stage you have remembered decency and democracy.
But there is a very important difference between the violations of decency and democracy by the Rajapakses and Sirisena/Ranil that you fail to acknowledge. Rajapakses violated for their own benefit, to try and establish a Rajapakse dynasty. Sirisena violates for the good of the country and not for his own benefit.
In the name of decency and democracy what can old codgers like DEW Gunasekera and Tissa Vitharana contribute to the country? Haven’t they ridden the gravy train long enough? Kudos to ol’ Sirisena, they got their just deserts.
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Afzal / August 29, 2015
If Mahinda Rajapaksa the great HORA became the PM non of these problems would have arise. Malinda will be very huppy, The great HORA will use one of his great qualities which is Dictatorship to resolve many of issues and also we will not have to send people to FCID anymore. Thajudeen would go back to rest in his grave or somewhere else. Country will be hushed up quite nicely.
We will revert back to seeing parades of defenders carrying even a PC member.
On the flip side though US will be pointing a gun at us, the HORA PM will shiver in fright widuli putuwa will make a come back and dead cobra will get a new lease of life Arjuna Mahendran would have fled or worst put in jail. Many head of institutions who were minding their own business will be sacked some even white vaned. HORA will will start showing his colors to M3.
Ohh who cares about these things it’s the ordinary Sri Lankan who will suffer.
That is not a problem as the ordinary man was made to suffer/tighten his belt for 10 long years another 1-2 generations is not an issue. They are capable of doing that for the sake of Great HORA Mahinda Rajapakse (Fire works and applause some people hooting)
This is what we had, it was not a dream !
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Shelton Dharmaratne / August 29, 2015
Getting to Yes, classic text by Harvard academics Fisher and Ury argues that positional bargaining does not tend to produce wise agreement centering on political stability and good governance . It encourages stubbornness and so tend to harms the objective criteria.
If positional bargainers are not separated they become involved with issues with their own political interests and emotions focusing on their past events fed by negative campaigns, in a debased culture running up to the general election in August 17, and gradually shift their forcefulness to disregard and challenge by just clinging to their ideological and self-interested positions, debating with each other into defeating the willingness to find the common ground in order to accomplish the objective criteria, Stable Government and good governance for a minimum period of of two years.
The key question here is if the positions bargainers refuses to compromise, will the President ready to carry on inventing multiple options for mutual gain and using objective criteria in a bid to seal the deal; National Unity Government?
Politics, after all is a numbers game, UNP the main party with most number of seats in the new parliament simply does not have enough for smooth sailing and
delivery of big promises made to the public perhaps be the potential dilemma for Prime Minister Ranil Wicremasinghe.
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Simon / August 29, 2015
Now some free advise for Ranil.Guess MR did not want yours.
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Gobba / August 29, 2015
[Edited out]
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