It seems President Maithripala Sirisena is attempting to turn dark blue into a light blue, while being faced with the challenge of staying away party politics.
As Colombo Telegraph reported earlier, President Sirisena was determined to stay away from party politics despite taking over the reins of the SLFP but it seems he cannot remain steadfast as he has realized that engaging with party politics is necessary to a certain extent to facilitate the smooth implementation of the 100-day program.
Hence, it seems he is now trying to steer the party in a new direction. Responding to a query directed at him during an interview in the ITN, the President said despite the Executive Presidency wielding unprecedented powers, he realized that the 100-day plan nor its proposals could be implemented without a 2/3 majority in the parliament.
“Therefore in order to ensure the successful implementation of the 100-day program, it was vital to get the support of the SLFP. A total of 127 seats are held by SLFP MPs off the total 225 seats in the parliament. So my acceptance of the party Chairmanship was necessary in order to fulfill the pledges I made to the people,” he said adding without the SLFP support, they risked the creation of a political crisis and the failure of the 100-day program.
The President also said the creation of the national government, which they pledged to establish following the victory, could not have been created without the participation of the two leading political parties in the country.
“It should also be noted that the concept of the national government is not one that would be limited until the announcement of a general election. This system will continue for at least two more years until this country is brought out of its present plight, hence it would continue to function even following the general elections,” he added.
Meanwhile, President Sirisena said that his aspiration of building a political culture that is free of violence and ensures peaceful co-existence among differing political views, is being met with many challenges.
“This is a concept that is alien to many as our political sphere has for too long been exposed to violence and petty party politics. So still there are those who try to sabotage this movement. But I urge everyone to set aside their differences and work together to steer this country in a new direction,” he added.
SLFP party supporters say it’s time to change party’s official colour dark blue into light blue according to new the president’s politics.
Amarasiri / February 2, 2015
RE: Maithri Turns Dark Blue Into Light Blue
There is Change. If you don’t change and move, you get run over. ( Meadamulana MaRa?)
Gandhi on How to Change the World
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” ~Gandhi
It’s easy to get frustrated by all the violence and pain being experienced around the world, and even easier to feel helpless about it. But rather than sitting around waiting for the world to change, it’s better to start making changes within your own sphere of influence. The theory behind this quote is that if everyone tended to their own selves the world would be the way we all want it to be. What can you do today that would help make the world around you a better place? By making the changes you wish the world would make you instantly and automatically make the world better.
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K.A Sumanasekera / February 2, 2015
I thought our dear President has been in Parliament for 40 years after he quit duties in Horagolla.
Only now he has realized the need for 2/3 majority.
What bunkum is this.
I thought only your PM is the liar.
You seems to take it even higher..
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Navin / February 2, 2015
Sumane please speak when you are spoken to.
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mads / March 7, 2015
He is more of a plotter than a saintly preacher. Now he wants to use the party he betrayed to gain his own agenda.
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Sahan / February 2, 2015
The teacher must change his/her style in order to follow the followers/ students…
Asking or expecting for change without changing ourselves is does not work.
Your all steps are well up to know, keep on changing; happy if it continues.
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sandun / February 2, 2015
what a joker this upul santha is! he turns an interview with the president of the county into entertainment, and propaganda for Victor Rathnayaka. Where was victor during the Maithri election campaign? and ITN allows this?
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Lasanda / February 2, 2015
Sirsena’s interview on ITN was for the UNP and minority citizens and not for the sinhalise people.
How can one believe a word he says , when he came to power by backstabbing our true leader and wearing the modi clothes????
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Snowden Edward Asange / February 2, 2015
TRUE leader or DEALER? you lot will never change.. I have a bridge for sale in New York, would you like to buy? Moreover its NO MODI clothes..its what worn by MANY north Indians… he HAD TO SAFEGUARD himself from the plans of MR, who wouldnt have hesitated to Assassinate MS.
He was being smart and wore a Modi outfit without wearing a bullet proof vest.. HE TRICKED YOU AND UR DEALER into thinking he had a bullet proof vest inside…….LOL :P
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Navin / February 2, 2015
I am sure you are Mahinda Rajapaksa under a pseudonym. Nice try.
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bo / February 3, 2015
Look mate, your master back stabbed himself. If he listened to the people instead of the goons and criminals he would have been there still at the top. Look at the way your hero has squandered away the national treasury on wild parties and extravagant personal luxuries, when our schools and hospitals are starved of essential medicine, surgical equipment, black boards, scientific apparatus, teachers of the correct professional qualities. How much do we have to tell for you to understand that he should have won the war for all the citizens to benefit. But the selfish Rajapaksha not only stole the title of SF, he also stole the country and its riches from all the citizens. He is a thief of mega scale and will go down history as such, next to MAGHA the bandit. The title of liberating the country will surely go back to General Fonseka.
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Sriyani MangalikaI / February 2, 2015
I feel people quarrel due to drastic change in attitudes and correct systems are not in place. Proportionate voting and freedom to change the party etc.People do not have access to correct information is a serious problem.There is a very unfavorable culture build up at all levels.The importance of an effective opposition is the essential need of critical comments to actions and processes leading to correct the situation effectively.I do not know whether a National Government could address the problems at least in the same way.I feel there is a serious problem in our society which should be addressed carefully with professional discussion having genuine concern for improvement. Previous government said frequently you have no right to comment when other parties stood up.
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Snowden Edward Asange / February 2, 2015
“Previous government said frequently you have no right to comment when other parties stood up. ”
YES WE as Sri-Lankas stood up to chase away a dictator, his family and his cronies…
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bo / February 3, 2015
Never heard such a wonderful piece of communication from any politician in Sri Lanka ever. He is a statesman, not a trace of animosity or sound of baying like wild dogs that all our politicans do either in open stage or on TV.
A very clear strategic message, well balanced and thought out delivery. First time that I have listened to this gentleman, impressive, absolutely impressive and confidence building. Give him a chance, he will set a standard of governance, a bench mark to be followed or improved in future.
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Jagath Fernndo / February 3, 2015
Brilliant interview.
What a change after 10 years.
Hope the national govt will be in place after elections as well
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sigiri / February 7, 2015
Dear Prime Minister The RT. Hon. David Cameron, MP.
I wish to ask you a Question:- “Is This True?”
I refer to the Pension Reality Check.
Are you aware of the following ?
The British Government provides the following financial assistance:-
BRITISH OLD AGED PENSIONER
(bearing in mind they worked hard and paid their Income Tax and National
Insurance contributions to the British Government all their working life)
Weekly allowance: £106.00?
IMMIGRANTS/REFUGEES LIVING IN BRITAIN
(No Income Tax and National Insurance contribution whatsoever)
Weekly allowance: £250.00
BRITISH OLD AGED PENSIONER
Weekly Spouse Allowance: £25.00?
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS/REFUGEES LIVING IN BRITAIN
Weekly Spouse Allowance: £225.00
BRITISH OLD AGED PENSIONER
Additional Weekly Hardship Allowance: £0.00?
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS/REFUGEES LIVING IN BRITAIN
Additional Weekly Hardship Allowance: £100.00
A British old age pensioner is no less hard up than an illegal
immigrant/refugee yet receives nothing
BRITISH OLD AGED PENSIONER
TOTAL YEARLY BENEFIT £6,000?
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS/REFUGEES LIVING IN BRITAIN
TOTAL YEARLY BENEFIT: £29,900
Please read all and then forward to all your contacts so that we
can lobby for a decent state pension.
After all, the average pensioner has paid taxes and contributed to the
growth of this country for the last 40 to 60 years.
Sad isn’t it? Surely it’s about time we put our own people first.
Please have the guts to forward this.
I JUST DID!
What the sinhalese people can expect from Ranil my3 and Chandrika in SRI LANKA
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madman / March 7, 2015
Dark blue into what? He is a proven turncoat – he can change colour like a chameleon, can’t he?
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