By Somapala Gunadheera –
Somapala Gunadheera
The UNP has shown its colours at the Uva Provincial Council election after a long time but it appears to have fallen into turmoil even before the cheering died down. The General Secretary has resigned and a tussle has started over the second post in the hierarchy. The Party faces the threat of falling back to square one unless the row is settled with no loss of time.
The native saying goes, “Don’t tighten your loin cloth with the sea seven ‘govvas’ away”. It means that one should act only when action is due and should not waste energy in anticipation. The UNP appears to be the only Party obsessed with prematurely naming the successor to its current leader. No one knows who would succeed the present leader of the SLFP. JVP’s new leader was known only after his predecessor resigned. Mavai Senathiraja became leader of the TULF not by virtue of a post he held but by being appointed by his Party after Sampanthan stood down. Posts in all other Parties are routine appointments and they are never touted as qualifications for promotion.
Why then should the UNP haggle on its Number 2 post and bring the house down when No.1 is set to be in the saddle for quite some time. The chances are that by the time Ranil makes up his mind to quit, the other colleagues of his generation might not be in the scene. It is only at that stage that leaders of the second generation can come to the limelight. At that time, the country will choose among them not on the strength of the position they held in the Party but on their personal credentials and contributions. In that light, the UNP’s infighting for posts would appear to be an exercise in futility. The wrangle has already sapped the energy of the Party and been responsible for its past setbacks. The best way to resolve this problem appears to be to appoint all aspirants to power as Deputy Leaders, leaving them to achieve their ambitions on their own merits, when the proper time comes.
Personally, I have no political interest in the UNP or in any other Party. As a matter of fact. However, as a citizen, I am only interested in good governance. There cannot be good governance in a country where the Opposition is in tatters.
Ben Hurling / September 23, 2014
Sri Lankans are stupid beyond measure. Expecting “Good Governance” from either the SLFP or the UNP.
Both entities are highly disorganized and are in disarray.
Both are run by violent political families, cronies & henchmen only interested in their own well being.
Both SLFP & UNP churn out corrupt & criminal politicians from village to natioal level. Who in turn dominate elected bodies of Sri Lanka. From village councils to Presindency.
All aspects of our society is rotten. Largely thanks to these two stinking parties.
It is an inconceivable national tragedy. In a country with nearly 100% literacy. A relatively well educated population. Many of whom have reached recognition on internatioanl stage for their skills.
Yet we cannot find or create a sustainable 3rd alternative. To send self-serving SLFP & UNP clonwns home for good. To continue their petty bickering. Better yet to prison. Where most of them should be, anyway.
Cheers!
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Amarasiri / September 23, 2014
Somapala Gunadheera –
“Personally, I have no political interest in the UNP or in any other Party. As a matter of fact. However, as a citizen, I am only interested in good governance. There cannot be good governance in a country where the Opposition is in tatters.”
Very Interesting statement above.
One may extend this and say, how are they they going to govern a country, if they cannot keep their own house in order?
Are the Deputy leaders el;erected by the membership or the “Elders” of the party?
Looks like ether there is an old boy club here…
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senaka de Z. Sirwardena / September 23, 2014
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Upali Wickramasinghe / September 23, 2014
Mr. Somapala Gunadeera, Sir,what you and Ben Hurling says is true.This country had been ruined by these two parties together with the CP and LSSP.It is high time these two satiated parties dissolve themselves.
Regarding why the country stick to these parties, there are two reasons. (i) They will not allow any capable person to come up. They do this individually and jointly. eg Dayasiri Jayasekara. The next in line to be ruined is the latest pin up, boy Harin Fernando. Wait for it.(ii) The Universities too have a hand in this.The countries problems are centred more on economics and social problems.How many Prof or Lecturers venture in to the field to offer their opinion when the politicians go astray.Presently only a handful.There was a time when Peradeniya produced a surfeit of academicians who venture into the field.
Buddhika Pathirana has come out with a study that completes the balance
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Dinuk / September 23, 2014
This is a very silly article to defend Ranil Wickramasinghe – the loser who will never win an election in Sri Lanka because the masses despise him.
Ranil Wickramasinghe has lost countless elections (36 election defeats – a record by all standards), and should have RESIGNED long ago and a successor taken over. But Ranil is now virtual DICTATOR of the UNP. Ranil has become loser-dictator of the UNP by NOT appointing a successor and pretending that there is no one to succeed him
This is why everyone wants a successor for Ranil the dictator NOW. TNA’s Sampanthan won elections so no one asked for his successor. Likewise other parties! Ranil Wickramsginhe is a shameless and selfish loser and creep who has destroyed the UNP is is responsible for the Rot in political culture in Sri Lanka – along with the Jarapassa brothers.
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eusense / September 23, 2014
Dinuk,
Agree with your post. Now, imagine if by any chance RW becomes the president. Looking back at his history he will continue to act like a dictator. No abolishing of Presidency and will never accept his deficiencies and defeat. Sri Lanka appears to be cursed!
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Rohan Polwatte / September 24, 2014
Ranin Wickremesinghe did not win becuase
(1) Most of the sri lankans respect the uneducated.
(2) They encourage gansta style killing, attacking,
(3) They love people who lie, and who break promises.
(4) They worship people who rob public funds, cheat
(5) They encourage family nepotism, hooliganism.
Rania wickeremsinghe does not have any of the above. Thats why he looses. But if he wins
(1) Sri Lankan democracy will be uplifted
(2) no coruption
(3) no broken promises
(4) no lying
(5) more and more educated people will participate in poltics
(6) Whole world will respect the guy becuase he is a gentlemen.
Actually I did not support him earlier. But out of the whole clan UPFA, UNP JVP DP this guy is the best then Chandrika.
IF SOBITHA HAMUDUROWO CONTEST he will be better than all the mentioned above.
Its time for sri lankans to think of democracy, living a decent life without robbing others like the days before 1983.
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Leelage malli / September 24, 2014
buddy, you may be right.
Right at the moment, if you work for MR henchmen, you can do anything in this country. The educated are being marginalized. I therefore wish any oppoostion coalition should chase way the Rajaapkshes. Not even chase but they should be jailed for all the crimes they commited since 2005
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Sirimal / September 24, 2014
mOST srilankens respect only low levels politicians. If they are gifted by a bon bon or bathpackets, they would u turn from their principles if they are alert to any. The best examples are Vasu and DJ.
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Snowden Edward Assange / September 23, 2014
Correction !!! UNP DID NOT show its colors.. it was Harin who is to be praised. He threw a challenge and resigned his Member of Parliament position. who else in both parties would have done? except of course the UNP MP again..from Kalutara District after the Aluthgama Incident.. stop giving dues where its not warranted… I hope Harin takes ALL necessary precaitions from now on, he is a target now.. there may be vehicular accidents, attacks by mobs who are armed to the teeth or even stooges of the MOD..via Dayasiri… :P
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Snowden Edward Assange / September 23, 2014
Correction !!! UNP DID NOT show its colors.. it was Harin who is to be praised. He threw a challenge and resigned his Member of Parliament position. who else in both parties would have done? except of course the UNP MP again..from Kalutara District after the Aluthgama Incident.. stop giving dues where its not warranted… I hope Harin takes ALL necessary precautions from now on, he is a target now.. there may be vehicular accidents, attacks by mobs who are armed to the teeth or even stooges of the MOD..via Dayasiri… :P
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Ayathuray Rajasingam / September 24, 2014
This is a turning point. It is time Ranil accommodates the TULF and the CWC within its fold. Ranil should point out the deteriorating economy because of its malignant economic policy and poor governance.
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