Speaker of Parliament and United National Party Member of Parliament Karu Jayasuriya seemed to officially throw his hat into the ring for the upcoming presidential election, saying he would only contest if all political forces united around the primary issue of abolishing the executive presidency.
Karu Jayasuriya
Those political forces would also have to be committed to strengthening the democratic reforms enacted in the 17th amendment to the constitution and later reinforced through the 19th Amendment to the constitution, a media release from Jayasuriya noted.
If he were to respond to multiple calls that he come forward as candidate, the Speaker said he would do so for a fixed and limited term and only out of a sense of commitment and duty to laying the foundation for a secure, civilized and prosperous democratic country. “I have no desire to hold presidential office,” the release said.
Numerous religious leaders, Buddhist clergy, civil society activists, academics, professionals, youth organizations and political activists had met with him and asked him to put himself forward as a presidential candidate, the release said.
The common theme of all these discussions was the need for a leader to safeguard democracy, end political instability and ensure just and stable governance, it added.
“I would only consider this request if all mainstream political forces unify on the main issue of abolition of the executive presidency, which is a position we have consistently maintained since 1995,” Jayasuriya noted.
The Speaker added that he also felt that if he were to be the nominee of the UNF led alliance, the nomination should be in accordance with the party constitution and with the blessings of all parties concerned.
Jayasuriya’s assertion follows revelations at a press conference held this morning (17) by UNP Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa, who said he needed the proof of “scientific surveys” before he decided whether the presidency should be kept or scrapped. Asked by journalists if the 2015 election mandate was not proof enough of the people’s desire for the system to be done away with, Premadasa replied: “Mandates get outdated.”
The remarks shocked moderates and civil society groups that looked to throw their weight behind the UNP led alliance, since the party has taken the official position that it was committed to the abolition of the presidency and a return to a Westminster Parliamentary model. “The most shocking thing was Mangala Samaraweera’s behavior as his chosen candidate makes these statements. He was terrified that Premadasa would say something more and ruin their chances further with the influential liberal constituency so he tried to stop the journalists from probing the issue further,” one civil society activist who was watching press briefing in Samaraweera’s garden told Colombo Telegraph.
Mallaiyuran / September 20, 2019
Inside UNP, Ranil has one problem; Mangala Group has another problem; Mano and Hakeem has their own problem. The stand of Mano and Hakeem are No Federalism; No changes from the Old type PR system; No change in EP system. Basically they are comfortable with JR’s legacy. Ranil wouldn’t not mind with Federal system, provided that will not affect him, He likes to remove EP system, for some tactical reasons. But he wants the PR system changed. So, on all three issues, Mano and Hakeem would like to take a risk with unknown angel, Vaalaiththodam Jr, instead of the known devil Ranil. So they want to see Ranil to go. But they are cunningly claiming that he cannot win the election. It is worth again to remind, whether it is “North East or Sothern” Muslims and Tamil, they would make Ranil as their First preference. If Ranil is not there only they would look in the list as who else are there.
Mangala, Eran, Harsha, Malik have personal grudge on Ranil. They were ignored by Ranil in the party for this or that reason. So they want to use Vaalaiththodam JR to take their revenge. This is why Former First Lady Hema complained that her son is being spoiled by the people near him. This spoling team is probably including future First Lady, Jalani too.
Other than saving criminals, Ranil didn’t fulfil any of the election promises. This includes CB looters too. People see Ranil a person has not done anything last 4½ years. Economic Indexes is moving downward. Crime is moving upward. That is the result of Old Royals’ mismanagement of government for 10 years. Fearing of that result, they conducted the election two years early and ran out of TTH. Nevertheless the problems also part of the way Yahapalanaya handled the affairs. Ranil gave priority to save Old Royals from UN electric Chair.
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Mallaiyuran / September 20, 2019
To save Old Royals, Ranil negotiated with TNA for Secret Solution, instead UNHRC resolution 30/1. This enabled him to ignore the West toward the end. Thus Ranil has efficiently saved Old and New Royals from UN Electric Chair. This took a mountainous effort from him. He was keeping India very smoothly aside. He stopped India forcing any contracts on him. Hanuman Bridge, Colombo Jay Terminal, Trinco Harbor, Expanded China Bay Old field, Mahinda Bachan Naked International Airport, High ways between Trinco and Colombo plus Trinco and Mannar, ETCA…. many others. Even in the ISIS bombing of Tamil Churches, he did not allow Black Cats to come to Lankawe, though allowed limited FBIs. China snatch out the Hangbangtota Harbor. But he contained China taking plot after plot in Colombo. China has some deals for lands in North East. About America and West, he stalled the Western Economic sanctions that were so imminent in Jan 2015. He covered all the pressure US State Department put on him to arrest and investigates Old Royals. He smoothly dislodged the MCC compact and SOFA. He focused on saving the locals criminals’ from international community, not on Economy, until now.
My opinion is Ranil not dying hard to become EP. He knows, in future, PM position is better than the EP Job. So he likes to leave the EP job outside. This would enable him to make again the National Unity government. So he can freely allow Hakeem, Mangala, Mano, et al to have minister posts. Further he can form the government if he stands as single party with his colleagues. The highest majority party is the one asked to from the government. If all of his parties go alone with out single majority and allow Old Royal to be invited to from government, they would buy all his small parties and keep them like earlier as they had Hakeem. If he couldn’t have the all over control with a national unity government, all his achievements will be rolled back.
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Mallaiyuran / September 20, 2019
P.S.
From Jan 2015 to until one year ago, the chance was if Ranil’s UNP didn’t come to power Economic Sanctions were immediate. But during the October Coup, the time Ranil secretly tried to hand over PM position to Old King, Ranil worked on that too. So no longer Economic sanctions are imminent after 2019 election, though still they are possible.
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Henry Fernando / September 20, 2019
One common denominator underlining the basic factor to salvage our country from the present morass as per the presidential hopefuls is reinstating the much hyped democracy which is presently in the doldrums. To our consolation there is at least one person Nagananda who is fighting tooth and nail to establish a society based on truth, justice and above all one rule of law for our country which are the building blocks of democracy. All these past decades we have seen how this democracy have been vandalised, desecrated,and prostituted by the very leaders of political parties of all hue and cry. Even at this eleventh hour the prospective candidates are extra careful not to make even a hum as to how they will address the root cause of our country’s debacle, viz. ‘one rule of law’ which if they care to do, majority of past and present will have to face the law and also face the music. We can clearly observe how they are trying to hoodwink the people and they are carrying on as if nothing has happened. None of these hopefuls can sincerely and honestly promise the Electorate to bring all perpetrators to book if at all they are elected to power. The possibility is that all these culprits will be granted a general amnesty in the name of our Buddhist Country and the people will have to sing ‘Sadu, Sadu. Over to you Mr. Nagananda. May your tribe increase. ‘Truth will make us free’.
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Jayantha Pathberiya / September 20, 2019
It is quite possible that RW has come to the end of his political career. Greed has resulted in this. He should know when to go, gracefully and with dignity.
Karu J will not be contesting for anything in the near future. Better think of graceful retirement.
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kali / September 20, 2019
Ready To Run But Only On Platform To Abolish Presidency: Karu Jayasuriya
*** But there is no need for this as there wont be a President after the election if Gotha wins. I have always said that Sri Lankas Sovereignty is limited to Indias security and Colonel Rambukawella has yesterday spelt out what Gotha plans to do . He said in no uncertain terms that ties with China will be restored which was stopped for the last 18 months under pressure from India . This was the cause of the friction between RW & MS. Indian pressure kept China at bay and India muscled in. Dark clouds are gathering and Indian summer will be beating even more intensly ( like in Maldives) and Sri Lankas Sovereignty will be further erroded. Gotha will spell disaster for Sri Lanka. What a prospect you cant abolish something which doesnt exist and that is the reality. Poor Edrisinghe he was abducted in a White Van yesterday and it may for an audience with Gotha and never to be seen again.
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Sinhala_Man / September 21, 2019
Agree, absolutely, Henry.
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But see below for an update that I will post about two hours after this.
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Right I’m operating from a phone in Lahugala, whence I have come with my village schoolmaster colleagues – all now retired.
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One guy is a dedicated member of the Social Equality Party. They always field a candidate. Another guy who is unlikely to ever vote Liberal said what’s the poin,your fellow got only 5K votes in 2015.
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That did it. He will probably vote SAQ, Naga and then Gota. Do get it?
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Explain Preference voting.
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Anushka Wijesinha / September 22, 2019
Ranil Wickremesinghe is the legitimate king of this country. Only he deserves to hold power.
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leslie / September 22, 2019
that’s not enough for us to cast our vote for you
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paddy / September 24, 2019
Did Karu J bring up this abolishing the presidency nonsense even once during the last four years that he was in parliament? No.
So now why campaign on that slogan. Bunch of liars.
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Henry Fernando / September 23, 2019
Anushka, We are rather taken a back about your comment, of course you are at perfect liberty to express your opinion, but for the majority of us who dubbed him as Mr. cleen do not see he is different to the leaders of previous regime and their cohorts. Your comment is definitely a sigh of relief to some members of the UNP. Wish you all success. “God save our gracious king’.
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