The main opposition United National Party that has suffered humiliating defeats at consecutive elections for over nine years with the exception of the 2011 Colombo Municipal Council election will soon see “major reorganisation” says its national list legislator Dr. Harsha De Silva.
Harsha
Posting an update on his Facebook account, De Silva said that the party’s more junior members of Parliament had presented its suggestions to Party Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe on September 27.
“The discussion was brutally honest and to the point. Let me tell you that he was most sincere and open to the suggestions that included ones never made before,” De Silva said adding that the proposals submitted to the UNP Leader had followed several days and nights of “brainstorming”.
De Silva said he had every reason to believe that he will take our suggestions fully onboard when he finally decides on the best course of action for the United National Party.
“I hope the others; seniors and juniors alike would put their self interests behind and unite to ensure we move forward from that point on to reach the common objective of every member of our glorious party,” the UNP Parliamentarian said.
Lalindra Jayewardene / September 30, 2013
In bringing about reforms one should start with the authoritarian constitution of the UNP which gives unlimited power to its leader. There should be provision to appoint the leader through national consensus rather than by a working committee, in which majority of its members are appointed by the leader.
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ABHAYA / September 30, 2013
LALINDRA’S COMMENT IS NOT ACCURATE TO THE EXTENT THAT THE UNP LEADER HAS A CHOICE TO APPOINT ONLY 20 OUT OF 80. BALANCE ARE APPOINTED UNDER DIFFERENT PARTY BRANCH STRUCTURES AND FROM AMONGST ELECTORAL ORGANIZERS. ONE PERSON CALLS DR.HARSHA A JOKER. JOKERS USUALLY SEE OTHERS AS KOKERS ! ABOUT THE COMMENT THAT HE IS A MAHARAJA PLANT IS NOTHING BUT NAIVE. JUST BECAUSE HE PARTICIPATES IN MTV PROGRAMS, HE CANNOT BE CALLED SUCH. I HOWEVER AGREE THAT ‘ MINNEL ‘ MAN MAY BE ONE BUT HE IS NOT A UNP’ ER THOUGH HE WAS ELECTED IN 2010 UNDER UNP TICKET.
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Lalindra Jayewardene / September 30, 2013
It’s not the numbers that matter Abhaya but when you’re ensured of 1/4 of the votes from your appointed W/C members it’s not a difficult task to manipulate balance 1/4 + 1 vote from the electoral organizers whom you yourself has appointed. The results of those manipulations are evident from the sorry state the UNP has fallen into today. Let’s not beat around the bush. If the UNP is to come out of the doldrums it’s in today, it has to be led by a leader who has a national standing, whoever that person maybe.
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dodo / September 30, 2013
There should be term limits on the UNP leader position and a leader who has lost 2 consecutive national elections or 4 PC elections must be required to step down and let another take over.
Shameless, corrupt and morally and intellectually bankrupt Ranil Wickramasinghe who has lost countless elections should RESIGN immediately if the UNP is to survive.
He has got rid of all the talented people rather than grooming younger leadership.. and now only the stupid and racist ingnoramus Sajith is hanging around to grab the leader post. Once Sahith becomes party leader he will be another loser – just like Ranil unless there are term limits on him. With the current constitution the UNP is DEAD!
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gamini / September 30, 2013
Lalindra, the type of leader you are proposing is someone without powers who would be at the beck and call at the rank and file in the Party. Then whoever is chosen will have to cow his head to all and sundry and if not will be summarily booted out. The chosen Leader will not be in a position to instil Discipline in the Party nor in the Country as is the case now with MR. What all you Buggers want is a figurehead who will dance to everyone’s tune so all feel Important People in the Party.
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I am no muslim / September 30, 2013
Now I know why gaminiya has been protecting Ranil all this time. He is [Edited out]
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Lalindra Jayewardene / September 30, 2013
So where has this all powerful leader who is supposed to have instilled discipline in the party and not cow his head to all the sundry, actually left the party? Sixty five of his elected members have joined the government. The vote bank of the UNP has reduced from a 48% to a meager 21%. It will soon be relegated to a third force, leave alone a opposition within parliament.
If Ranil thinks he’s the best to lead the party, I have no qualms, but let him come through a national consensus. If not let the people choose who’s the best person to lead the party. Remember, UNP isn’t Ranils, Karu’s or Sajith’s party. It’s a people’s party and if the party isn’t led by a person chosen by the people, the people will have no faith in the leader.
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gamini / October 1, 2013
Lalindra, it is unfortunate that every one of the sixty five UNP members who crossed over had some issue of corruption. So can you blame Ranil for that? On the contrary the masses should be happy the UNP has been rid of the Corrupt. Or is it that you all do not mind them being corrupt merely because they are UNP? No matter how much a person is popular like Dayasiri Jayasekara sans Principles, has no place in a society if the masses are honest about their Religious and Social Convictions. I for one do not believe that DJ polled the highest preferences, unless MR’s election gimmickry was at it’s best to reflect so. Imagine, tomorrow if Ranil is found to have robbed Public Funds, do you seriously believe he will have any backing from any? If so you all will be the loudest shouting from roof tops for his resignation. Yet you do not have the same concern of Ethics regards the sixty five members who have crossed over against whom there are allegations proved in the COPE findings. Why this double standards? Yet you all are blaming Ranil but not the members who have disgraced the UNP?
You say, ‘If Ranil thinks he’s the best to lead the party, I have no qualms, but let him come through a national consensus. If not through a National Consensus, how has Ranil come to be the Leader of the UNP? Was it not a National Consensus of Members numbering over 5000 of the UNP Branches that 4900 voted in favour against some 300. Then what nonsense are you talking? Remember Ranil will win if all concerned vote for him en masses, in spite of MR’s Jilmarts, but the problem is you people are responsible for spreading false myths by slandering RW. But REMEMBER it is not Ranil who is the looser in the end but yourself and the country.
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Lalindra Jayewardene / October 2, 2013
To say that the sixty five members who crossed over had some corruption issue is a lame excuse to satisfy oneself of one’s own failures. If so how is Karu Jayasuriya back in the UNP fold? Did he have a corruption issue when he crossed over and found to be clean when he crossed back? On the other hand why didn’t the party leadership sack these members if they had corruption charges against them? Why did the party wait until they crossed over to say they were corrupt? I hope you get my point.
Against all corruptions charges leveled against Jayasekara, he was able to garner the highest number of votes in the NWPC. That’s how much faith the masses have in UNP’s loudest pronouncements about corruption. Now you say he won due MR’s gimmickry. A pathetic excuse indeed.
You say “Members numbering over 5000 of the UNP Branches that 4900 voted in favour against some 300.” As genuine UNP’ers we all know how members were selected by invitation to participate at this convention. That was marvelous manipulation which definitely surpasses MR’s election gimmickry, as you say.
Of course Ranil will win if everybody votes for him en mass. But the problem is the masses have no faith in Ranil to vote for him en mass. So until such time the UNP is able to come up with a leader who commands faith, respect and acceptance of the masses, it will continue to suffer these ignominious defeats, till such time it is relegated to the dustbins of history.
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gamini / October 2, 2013
Lalindra there are none so blind as those who do not wish to see the Truth about Corruption. You say they are lame excuses to cover Ranil’s failures. Great, why don’t you get Sajith to contest the upcoming SPC and take over the Leadership of the UNP? Afterall it is his electorate.
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Jayasiri / October 2, 2013
which party leader hasn’t got these powers you tell me Lalindra? The SLFP leader by the powers of its constitution is even more authoritarian than the UNP. The JVP no less even WW’s NFF the same. Take Fonseka’s party the swift action to suspend a losing candidate in Kandy.
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Lalindra Jayewardene / October 3, 2013
My point is what’s the use of clinging onto power if you can’t win elections and bring the party into power?
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Lalindra Jayewardene / October 3, 2013
….and Gamini, it’s not up to me to get Sajith to contest any election. If the party and its leader cannot convince him to do so, what’s the point of having that all powerful leadership?
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gamini / October 3, 2013
On the one hand RW is accused as a weak Leader, while at the same time he is also accused as a Dictator. The ability to withstand the barrage of attack and the double crossings, RW would not have survived so far, if he was a weakling?
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Lalindra Jayewardene / October 3, 2013
He’s weakening the party by being a dictator within it.
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Saman Wijesiri / September 30, 2013
Dr. Harsha de Silva may be a good economist. But he does not appear to be a down-to-earth political analyst. Anyone with an iota of common sense can see that Ranil is making a desperate bid to hang on to the leadership. He is just buying time. There would be no future for the UNP unless and until Ranil and his cohorts like Tissa Attanayake and Daya Gamage are kicked out!
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Yehiya / September 30, 2013
There are two weakness of Ranil. One is never respect to another idea of senior members in political views, never listen to others.But no time to correct major damage, no need to explain case by case.In the same time Sajith is not meet the leadership requirement.If come to leadership in this stage, major blast in party.Only solution is another leader for long stable of UNP. UNP falling start from Mr.Ranasighe Premadasa onward.Not from Ranil. people need professional UNP which can beat the tomorrow issues of the country.Other part country in crucial stage.TNA very professional & north voters never fall for glass of arrack & packet of Food.South people & politicians not realize the limitation of right going to get with in 5 years time.North people need same leadership to gain the full rights because they failed in international stage in all over.
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muslim / September 30, 2013
We Muslims should drop this bloody useless SLMC and take over the UNP completely and make it our party.
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Ali / September 30, 2013
huh? :( he..he..he..
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James Ingham / September 30, 2013
Yehiya, Prince Charles, will be angry with you when he visits SL for murdering his mother.
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Lalindra / September 30, 2013
Yehiyq, how about you take some time off and work on your English language? You are only enabling others stereotype all Mualims!
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simple simon / September 30, 2013
Agreeing with Saman wijesiri on the latter part, but absolutely unclear as to what requirement is satisfied by the MP being a “down-to-earth” political analyst. Guessing you really didn’t think that part through…. here’s to you thinking before typing, and a change in the islands poltical thinking… cheers!
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Fathima Fukushima / September 30, 2013
This joker was not even elected!
UNP needs who can win votes not more losers.
Don’t forget JR was 72 years old when he finally became head of state. That was the best thing that happened to SL.
Don’t rush. A time will come.
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I am no muslim / September 30, 2013
Ranil shouldn’t give up. He should have another one or two goes for the Presidency. After all he is not even 65 yet. I see that he’s getting wiser only now.
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RajasH / October 1, 2013
[Edited out]
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shankar / October 1, 2013
“Don’t forget JR was 72 years old when he finally became head of state. That was the best thing that happened to SL.”
Yes,he created the 25 year civil war and demolished the UNP with all its heads cut off by prabhaharan.
This fool fartshima deluges this blog with stupid comments.He should give the readers a break and stop taking that chicken buriyani packets daily for him and his family from boss.He is enjoying,we are suffering.
Alas,what Lord Bhuddha said is true,life is suffering.
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K.A Sumanasekera / September 30, 2013
How did this dimwit ever become a shadow treasurer?.
This is the question that the Foreign investors are asking at their board meetings.
Ranil should get rid of him first in any restructure.
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Don Quixote / October 2, 2013
This comment is a sure sign that Harsha is considered a threat by the Rajpakses’ !
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shankar / September 30, 2013
I got the major reorganisation through the grapevine.In future ranil will wear the national dress and will have a green shawl.
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gamini / September 30, 2013
Shankar your problem is you have an axe to grind with JRJ due to his lapses how he handled the ’83 issue. RW being his Nephew you are prejudiced against him as well.
IF not, the need of the hour is for someone with proven Honesty, Intelligence, Education to replace MR, who will uphold Law and Order without bias and favour. There may be others but the only one that fit the bill is none other than Ranil Wickremasinghe. So all those who blindly call for his head, merely because MR fixes Elections, the requirement is for all to get together and elect RW and not merely bash RW. Hence the fault is not of RW but us, the voters and those critics who cause more damage not for RW but for themselves and the Country in the long run.
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shankar / October 1, 2013
Gamini,even if RW was JR’s son i would not be prejudiced,because i know that i cannot be held responsible for what my father did or my son cannot be responsible for what i do.Individuals have to take responsibility for their own actions.My comment was merely a joke,not to be taken seriously.I’am a joker but people do not understand and come after me sometimes especially women.
“IF not, the need of the hour is for someone with proven Honesty, Intelligence, Education to replace MR, who will uphold Law and Order ” Wignesvaran or weerawansa or sobitha thero????Which is your choice gamini?Duminda is yet to recover fully.
If you are finding it difficult to make a decision because all 3 candidates are good then let us ask the UNP rank and file members to make the decision by a ballot.That way this leadership issue can be put to rest once and for all and the party can concentrate on formulating policy.The correct policies should get them through and there should be a policy making committee formed that puts out policies at regular intervals.
Now there is too much of bickering and undercutting going on to concentrate on the most important aspect which is policy.
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gamini / October 1, 2013
Shankar, where were you when over 5000 members of the UNP branches gathered and over 4900 voted for Ranil as Leader against a paltry 300 odd who differed? Ranils Leadership problem is not for the UNP Party members, but for MR, Maharajahs, Sajith who is waiting to become the leader and all those who push Sajith up for their own agendas to be met including the arm chair Pundits who contribute their two cents worth in this Blog. Buggers like Dayan Jayatilake believe that if a mut like Sajith is pushed up, he will be dependent on Dayan for him to be a VVIP. Bloody Goat, like father like son who believe Foreign Policy is their forte. My Foot.
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shankar / October 2, 2013
gamini,no point in only 5000,when there must be more than 100000 members at least.Sajit complained that only selected 5000 members were invited and others who came were not allowed to enter the hall etc.Why have all these disputes.Just let all the rank and file have a say on who should be the leader.If ranil is going to win anyway as you claim then why does he not do it and see that mud is on the head of all his detractors.He knows he will lose.
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gamini / October 2, 2013
Shankar, now Sajith has got a golden opportunity to show his popularity. Get Sajith to contest the SPC as Chief Ministerial Candidate.
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madawa / September 30, 2013
This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.For more detail see our Comment policy
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Yehiya / September 30, 2013
Party failed because of working committee,total shape of working committee must need change as with leader. Who can unite sajith Mangala,Imthiyas, Harsha, Wijedasa, Karu,can bring to power.
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bganendra / September 30, 2013
Sirasa,Sakthi,MTV/MBC TV stations governed by Capital Maharajah net work, cannot make and break Govts. They want a Govt of their choise. Harsha de Silva, Buddhika,the “Minnel man of Sakthitv, were all planted by ” the dirty Maharajas”. Ranil must continue as leader of the UNP, AND NOT BOW DOWN TO THE TRICKS OF THE maharajah scoundrels.
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sham / September 30, 2013
AND KEEP ON LOOSE EVERY ELECTION AND DESTROY THE DEMOCRACY AND HAND OVER EVERYTHING TO MR REGIME….BULLSHIT
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Percy Jilmart / September 30, 2013
@ sham
Democracy was destroyed by the majority who keep voting for the crook MR and all the thugs, rogues, rapists and murderers nominated by him and the UPFA.
No use blaming Ranil or the UNP. The hate against Ranil has been created by the media puppets and MR is their puppet master. Hitlers propoganda minister Gobbels said that if a lie is said often enough people will eventually believe it. In SL, MRs bought and paid for media has been successful in portraying the gullibility and mercenary attitude of the majority voters as the incompetence of Ranil. One day when SL starts turning into a another Zimbabwe or Greece, the people will finally realise the value of Ranil and the UNP.
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Banda / September 30, 2013
Didn’t they say, (Ape gona apta honda) our bull is good for us.
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Yehiya / September 30, 2013
First ranil is failed in leadership.But media have limit in everything. Very shame act today.Our job can’t do by Maharajah.
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gamini / September 30, 2013
Bganendra, you are right that Maharajahs along with MR, are behind the Campaign to oust RW because RW did not oblige with two Ministries, Maharajahs requested. I fail to understand why the General Public cannot understand that this Campaign to oust RW is a calculated effort by vested interest and what RW has done by denying their request, was to safeguard the Country and all the People. Now I wonder whether Harsha too has fallen in to a trap set by these same vested interest on that Buddhist Priest incident and is blackmailed. If that be so either RW should rid Harsha or Harsha should respectfully resign from Politics.
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Nirmalan Dhas / September 30, 2013
Dear Harsha,
If the reform of what passes as civilization on this island is your motive then I must say I admire you and wish you well.
While your attempts to reform the United National Party – which now resembles nothing more than its opposition leaving its very raison d’être open to question – may generate some hope, it will probably be hope misplaced because it is very unlikely that any Sri Lankan party is willing to take a look at the global reality that obtains and make a credible commitment to respond to it. This is because of the manner in which all political parties in Sri Lanka choose to address the issues of Racism and Integrity and there is no sign that your party is going to fare any better. I will not take your time illustrating what I claim but will instead ask you plainly whether your party is willing to make certain changes that I believe are the most essential to address these problems.
The first is in the party structure and is aimed at keeping crooks, gangsters, thugs and hooligans of all sorts as well as persons who have no clear understanding of the role of policy and legislature in or processes and conduct of governance and who have no clear cut policies to the implementation of which they are committed, out of parliament. This requires that your party set up an electoral college of some sort within which it prepares persons who are willing to serve the public and who will hence have to publicly declare their assets and lay open their business activities, ethics and morality to public scrutiny. Each of these people must have high levels of personal integrity as well as a proven ability to articulate their policy positions publicly and canvass their adoption and acceptance amongst the public. Only these persons groomed by the electoral college and placed under the scrutiny of the party and of the public may be selected by the party to stand for elections and mere membership in this electoral college alone should not guarantee such selection to stand for election.
The second is the formulation of a realistic and credible party platform and the appointment of a shadow parliament so that the pubic is clearly aware of the personalities and policies supported by the opposition. The party platform should contain a clear description of the global context and its likely evolution within the near future and should in effect consist of a clearly articulated local response to this global context along with a policy framework designed to ensure its implementation. This content should be open and available to any government that is formed to implement if it so desires.
The third requirement is the shifting of the workings and proceedings of the state to the English language and the removal of all religious and cultural biases of the state rendering it secular and capable of finding expression in any culture, language or religious tradition. The policy that ones mother tongue ones religion and ones culture be practiced at home while English be the language of the state, commerce and public discourse must be implemented without further delay. The citizens of Sri Lanka are sufficiently familiar with not only the English language but also the sort of cosmopolitan culture based on certain broad principles and values that seems to accompany the spread of this language.
The fourth is the cultivation of certain basic values, attitudes and behaviors that are required for the effective functioning of human societies. I speak of the ability and willingness to speak the truth and be honest and transparent in ones dealings, to follow laws, rules and regulations without subverting them, to neither seek nor give bribes or foster corruption in any way, to cultivate and exercise sexual continence to refrain from the use of violence and the abuse of power and to ensure that ones interactions are civil and that one at all times speaks with kindness, shows concern and cultivates a culture of pleasant helpful helpfulness. While these were once taught both explicitly and implicitly I do not see them taught anymore and there certainly does not appear to be any clearly articulated commitment to them because those who should be making such articulations can very clearly be seen by one and all to be acting to the contrary.
Since no political party in Sri Lanka is likely to accept and conform to the above those who do subscribe to what has been described to it may have to form their own. The fact that there is little difference between the outcomes of the actions of both the government as well as the opposition makes it clear that the emergence of a new credible organization capable of articulating and advancing the interests of citizens within the rapidly changing global context is clearly required.
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Nirmalan Dhas / September 30, 2013
Dear Harsha,
If the reform of what passes as civilization on this island is your motive then I must say I admire you and wish you well.
While your attempts to reform the United National Party – which now resembles nothing more than its opposition leaving its very raison d’être open to question – may generate some hope, it will probably be hope misplaced because it is very unlikely that any Sri Lankan party is willing to take a look at the global reality that obtains and make a credible commitment to respond to it. This is because of the manner in which all political parties in Sri Lanka choose to address the issues of Racism and Integrity and there is no sign that your party is going to fare any better. I will not take your time illustrating what I claim but will instead ask you plainly whether your party is willing to make certain changes that I believe are the most essential to address these problems.
The first is in the party structure and is aimed at keeping crooks, gangsters, thugs and hooligans of all sorts as well as persons who have no clear understanding of the role of policy and legislature in or processes and conduct of governance and who have no clear cut policies to the implementation of which they are committed, out of parliament. This requires that your party set up an electoral college of some sort within which it prepares persons who are willing to serve the public and who will hence have to publicly declare their assets and lay open their business activities, ethics and morality to public scrutiny. Each of these people must have high levels of personal integrity as well as a proven ability to articulate their policy positions publicly and canvass their adoption and acceptance amongst the public. Only these persons groomed by the electoral college and placed under the scrutiny of the party and of the public may be selected by the party to stand for elections and mere membership in this electoral college alone should not guarantee such selection to stand for election.
The second is the formulation of a realistic and credible party platform and the appointment of a shadow parliament so that the pubic is clearly aware of the personalities and policies supported by the opposition. The party platform should contain a clear description of the global context and its likely evolution within the near future and should in effect consist of a clearly articulated local response to this global context along with a policy framework designed to ensure its implementation. This content should be open and available to any government that is formed to implement if it so desires.
The third requirement is the shifting of the workings and proceedings of the state to the English language and the removal of all religious and cultural biases of the state rendering it secular and capable of finding expression in any culture, language or religious tradition. The policy that ones mother tongue ones religion and ones culture be practiced at home while English be the language of the state, commerce and public discourse must be implemented without further delay. The citizens of Sri Lanka are sufficiently familiar with not only the English language but also the sort of cosmopolitan culture based on certain broad principles and values that seems to accompany the spread of this language.
The fourth is the cultivation of certain basic values, attitudes and behaviors that are required for the effective functioning of human societies. I speak of the ability and willingness to speak the truth and be honest and transparent in ones dealings, to follow laws, rules and regulations without subverting them, to neither seek nor give bribes or foster corruption in any way, to cultivate and exercise sexual continence to refrain from the use of violence and the abuse of power and to ensure that ones interactions are civil and that one at all times speaks with kindness, shows concern and cultivates a culture of pleasant helpful helpfulness. While these were once taught both explicitly and implicitly I do not see them taught anymore and there certainly does not appear to be any clearly articulated commitment to them because those who should be making such articulations can very clearly be seen by one and all to be acting to the contrary.
Since no political party in Sri Lanka is likely to accept and conform to the above those who do subscribe to what has been described to it may have to form their own. The fact that there is little difference between the outcomes of the actions of both the government as well as the opposition makes it clear that the emergence of a new credible organization capable of articulating and advancing the interests of citizens within the rapidly changing global context is required.
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Nirmalan Dhas / October 6, 2013
The tumult within the United National party and the general Malaise that has seized the nation with intelligent people fleeing the land, the north and east almost shorn of its middle class citizens, the flight into exile of several journalists, the obvious subversion of the rule of law democratic and academic processes, the removal of social spaces for democratic discourse and the intimidation of dissidents highlights the need for existing political parties, as well as new ones that may emerge, to understand the influence that organizational structures and their internal processes have on the generation, sustenance and functioning of a tolerant, inclusive, pleasant, helpful, happy and non violent society. In this respect I search in vain for a political party that has the following structures that I think are required for the above”
1. A founding member or group of founders not exceeding twenty in number who are clearly identified as such and a constitution drawn up by such founder or founding members which shall stipulate that such founding members shall form the governing body to be replaced on their resignation, retirement or demise by persons chosen by consensus from the members of the electoral college.
2. A membership that is selected on the basis of a subscription to the clearly stated political ideology of the party amongst any other requirements as may be stipulated in the constitution.
3. A well thought out and widely discussed policy framework and electoral manifesto drawn up and approved by this membership well in advance of any election and maintained as a party document that is constantly developed through discussion.
4. An electoral college to which those who wish to represent the party are admitted after having satisfied the party as to their moral integrity, ethical values, familiarity with the parties policies and program and exceptional behavior in the past and they will be trained in parliamentary procedures and processes and the skills required to advance the policies of the party in parliament. Needless to say those with criminal records and a demonstrated bent towards violence, immorality and unethical behavior will be prohibited from applying to or being accepted to this electoral college.
5. The electoral college will train candidates for different elected bodies.
6. The electoral college will submit its list of recommended candidates for each electoral body to the membership for approval.
7. A shadow parliament which will respond critically to every move of the government clearly articulating the parties alternative and the reasons why the party advocates these alternatives.
8. A proper media arm that will consistently advise the public as to its activities and position on current issues and the actions that it advocates.
9. A scientific propaganda wing that engages in marketing the policies of the party and in the task or projecting a vision of what the nation would look like if the policies advocated by the party are implemented.
10. A cultural wing which will encourage the development of cultural forms of expression that are compatible with the policies of the party and disseminate these cultural forms through the holding of regular cultural events through which the party can engage the citizenry.
11. An Academic wing that will identify, develop and advocate technologies and behavioral models that are compatible with the policies and projected national vision of the party.
12. A human resource development and training school which will train people in how to conduct themselves and how to relate to each other in order to realize the policies advocated by the party.
If the UNP is going this way please let me know.
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Silva / September 30, 2013
What is there is not a leadership crisis but a followership crisis! Majority of Sri Lankans are uneducated, superstitious, unscientific, illogical and primitive racist tribals. Their sacrilegious and blunt collective consciousness is daily conditioned and updated by a superstition called Buddhism and a raucous fantasy called Sinhala nationalism. But inwardly they are beggars and thieves. If some bugger promises them free rations, food, cloths, fertilizer or anything, or when during an election time when they are given free arrack, rice packets or any stuff of that nature or anything free for that matter it is there where their choice, inclination and choice rest! Look at the kilometers long Dansal queues during Vesak Poya! No one is interested in what actually said by Buddha! It is with such a nation of buffalos the professional and principled politician has to work and no doubt this Harsha fella is talking about reforms! Hah!, reforms! What bloody nonsense? Solution of every problem on this earth demands that it be approached logically, scientifically and rationally. In every which way Ranil and the problems in this country are analyzed, he is the most suitable person to hold the leadership of the country! This is not a sentimental daydream but a scientific fact. So what rationality is there in replacing Ranil and substituting some nobody to this post? Just because the majority are brainwashed and brainless dumbasses can it be justified to bring in an unsuitable loser to the thrill of majority fools suffering from political malady? Leadership of Sajith would only mean the continuation of Rajapaksha racism, corruption, lawlessness, nepotism and poverty. Sajith and Rajapakshas are suffering from the same maladies of inferiority complex, jealousy, ungratefulness, greed and selfishness. The implications are that it is an inherently powerful Executive Post now having no checks and balances and therefore no brakes, shielded and protected by impunity, unaccountability and able to function virtually with zero cabinet and parliament that will be conferred on this dumbass Sajith, if at all! Given the already displayed ill-bred, dishonest, rustic and caustic nature this man has manifested in himself Sri Lanka would have a future not second to that under Rajapaksha rogues! Are the intelligent people prepared to allow that disaster to happen?
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Sama / September 30, 2013
Silva@,
I also see no other better candidate than RW to lead the nation.
But if stupid masses would repeatedly vote for MR supporters, what would be the alternative ?
If people would not respect RW as the leader, he should better leave the leadership now than later or what do you think ?
Blame should be given not to RW but to those who left the party for their own sakes. And since the other potential leaders were murdered by Ltters so it is not RW^s fault to face repeated defeats as it is the case today.
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Sama / September 30, 2013
I have the feeling that masses today would not consider about facts and figures, they just vote… see the manner Dayasiri J reacted – betraying his voters, but in the end he collected the most preferencial votes from the very same people – this can be considered as an experiement that people in this country – i mean the masses are very uneducated and have no respect and moral values at all.
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crazyoldmansl / September 30, 2013
“Are the intelligent people prepared to allow that disaster to happen?”. Where are these intelligent people? Maybe in Singapore running that country and lots helping to run the UK and USA. Will they come back to die in a white van or get killed by some politicians child? Why should they?
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Iro / September 30, 2013
We should remember few things. SLFP came to power after 17 years. But RW manage to come to power in 2002 & lost presidential election in 2005 by chance. He showed positive economic growth after minus figure in 2001 under SLFP. People have some gratitude to MR since he end the 30 years war. Further media create an image in people mind that leader should be like this (active like MR). We can’t see such a thing from RW. But people should change their attitude about leader & UNP should try to do this if they need to come to power. Proposed leader (Sajith) is same as MR. Now we need a leader like RW to develop the economy & build peace in Sri Lanka. I think minorities also have confidence about RW. Govt is doing mental war. UNP should be able to identify those & fight with Govt. It is not only liability of RW.
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Sama / September 30, 2013
IRO @ You are dead right.
We need to RW to change his proactive part only. Else, he is the best candidate to lead the nation. Is there any other leader with the same political maturity compared to that of his. His foreign relations are the best. It is the wrong propaganda media run by state machination make an opposite view about him. Our masses in the country are just naive, easily manipulative, vulnerable to any abuses. So candidates like Maharaja are easy to get on with them.
If young UNP MPs and party sympathisers would be able to pass the fact and figures about the current situation to the masses ( across the country), UNP is the best part to lead the country in post war sessions.
Today, each and every country on the west are against SL. It is due to MR^s foreign relations. That DJ or any others seem to have forgotten to resound.
Can sri lanka stand alone – as a poor nation, if EU, USA and all other powerful countries would not help them further ? It is just an another poor country that cant be without the west. That we should not forget.
Sajith has no exp in any areas than his power greedy stances to become the president of the country. There, he has to stay many more years. Perhaps, he could run a ministry but not the country. Karu and Ravi karunayake should have more exp… as I see it. One time criminal is not a criminal for the life long… so Karu can also give a life to the Party.
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Patriot / September 30, 2013
Harsha,
What “brainstorming”. I heard Daya Gamage saying Ranil was elected the leader of the UNP for six years. Goooood. I’ll tell you what, pave the way for Buddhika to be the next CM of SPC and you propose Ranil to appoint Eran or Rosy or some evangelist to be your leader in waiting. How’s that?
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Namal Perera / September 30, 2013
All you need is a change at the top. In the democratic World, a leader of a political party step down when the party looses an election. True our mother Lanka is now a corrupt, lawless Banana Republic ruled by a crazy family of Dictators, but this is no excuse for the leader of the Opposition and the UNP to cling on to power after loosing all the Elections held so far. It is true that none of the Elections held in this Republic so far are free and fair, but still it is no excuse for him to forcibly hang on as leader of UNP. The larger part of UNP voter base remain dormant because of the most unpopular Leader and if this Joker do not understand this or pretend to do so, he should be kicked out.
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gamini / September 30, 2013
Namal, you accept that MR shifts the goal posts at every election for him to win all Elections. It is no secret that bundles of Ballet papers are found strewn around and no one can say for certain that Candidates like Dayasiri Jayasekara to poll the highest preferences, a good section of the UNP too should vote with him, which is not the case. Then it is pretty obvious that the Elections are flawed and such results are just to spite the masses to show what MR could do. In such a scenario do you seriously believe that replacing RW by whomever, the UNP will win an Election unless everyone get together to stop this corrupt practice as a first step. I bet my bottom dollar that the Election Officials involved in the counting are heavily bribed by MR to distort the Elections in their favour. Therefore an effective Campaign should be carried out to have an Independent Body with checks and balances to see whether the sorting of ballots are done properly.
Therefore the answer is not replacing RW but try to put the Election Machine in order.
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Banda / September 30, 2013
Bugger is reading through the crystal ball from his cold damp basement in Suffolk. Need less to say then he doesn’t know that all hard core UNPers in villagers are either silent or have shifted their alliance to SF. Mark me, SF’s voter base will increase one or two points at the next PC election. But right now, MR would win any election hand down. Fight is between his jockeys for manape.
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Ekanayake / October 1, 2013
Banda joker,
It is you fucker and your MARA fucker who are using crystal balls from daily horoscope fortune foretelling to conduct of elections. Your regime of fuckers depend on crystal balls so heavily that you employ a horoscope interpreter as the Chairman of a state bank! Bum sucker, don’t you know what this horoscope Chairman does as his job there? He steal money from the Bank! He has swindled millions from the bank as fuel allowance money submitting fraudulent documents! This is the regime of you rogue fuckers! Why is your rogue fucker carrying a crystal ball every where he goes? The other day this fucker was seen with his “testicles” in his rogue hand facing the Al Jazeera interviewer and dangle the “testicles” to the entire world and stuttering like a tongue-cut iguana because this lying bastard had nothing true or decent to the interview and dumped a heap of lies and nonsense to the whole world! Run and suck his “magic balls” under his asshole, stupid fucker.
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Bala / September 30, 2013
May be he just feel that there exist no other CAPABLE leaders to run the party. That should again be wrong. I think he should make the decision soon than later, but looking at the majority within the party has to say. Then he wont need to regret. RW is a decent gentleman but right at the moment, just being gentle, uncorrupted, non-abusive, educated seem to be not helping if one has to politically survive in the made crime and killing friendly environment created by ruling RAJAPAKSHE gang.
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animal / September 30, 2013
Dear Mr Silva,
I have pity for you because of your comment “…superstition called Buddhism”. When Sir Albert Einstein was questioned by a journalist about his religous beliefs, his answer was… “if there is any philosophy worth following, that would be Buddhism”.
After that comment, I had no further interest in reading what you had written. Sad, sad, sad.
May you be well and happy.
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gamini / September 30, 2013
Animal how is it that you are sad, sad, sad if you had no interest to have read Silva’s comment in full? Besides what Silva had written was for Humans and factual and not for animals. Sorryma Sorry thama!
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Silva / October 2, 2013
animal,
Forget about Albert because his understanding of Buddhism is not related to the Sinhalese Buddhist fools. In fact these westerners have a better understanding of Buddhism than the Sinhalese. The real question is what is the philosophy you and others in the country following, including its leaders? You have no answers because you have no philosophy at all, all of you! What most of you have is “pedophilelosophy”, bestiality, kleptomania unsatiating greed, ignorance and triviality! You have turned Buddhism into your religious toilet! You all with your 4th house kendare barren monks collectively fucked the Indian born Buddha and embraced native and homegrown Machabagoism! And you too are fucked up now!
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watey ranil / September 30, 2013
RW will feign genuine interest at reform (he,being the past master of reform )form a committee for proposals on the 7th (and go abroad) which will include John,joseph and the usual,then he will procrastinate,tire out the juniors (as anti RW seniors have seen all this before)give hope he will move out whilst making moves to stay on perpetually.
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clown / September 30, 2013
UNP lost becuase RAJAVASSAS rigged the election. They know they cannot win north pracitacally so they let the TNA win. But other areas they rigged the election big time.
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MrRetort / September 30, 2013
All this eyewash exercise is not going to solve the problems of common people. RANIL would never understand that and he would be happy to the opposition leader of the country. Chances are that he would not be able to get that for long. Now TNA is going to contest south and support of minority for UNP is going to erode even in Colombo and he will have to get the third place behind Sarath Fonseka if TNA contest in WP. When that happens RANIL will have keep a luxury bus to go with his WC to any place he wants and have his party meetings till such time three wheeler may be able to do the same job. Fonseka, Chandrika, Karu, Sajith should try to get the support for Rev. MAKULUWAWE Sobitha Thero to go for Presidential instead of depending on Eternal loser clinging on like a leach to ruin the prospect of democratic people of this land.
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MrRetort / September 30, 2013
Brain storming and muck raking is not needed to understand one important fact that as long as RANIL is the leader of UNP. IF THIS IS NOT HAPPENING FOGGET ABOUT UNP and all the politicians of UNP can do a Dayasiri and at least try to make some personal benefit instead of taking party down the precipice into oblivion.
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wasantha / September 30, 2013
I find that Ranil was a good leader but no more attracted by the masses. Any orgenaization should change their office bearerers in certain period, likewise UNP should change many of their Excutive members including their Leader and close followers and try with new set of youngsters including Karu ,sajith,Sujeewa, Buddhika,Thalatha,Rosy and a few others, must try to win who left the party. Ranil can be in the party . Gods sake please get rid of mangala, ravi k. Wickramabahu karunarathna and a few others.We need a leader who can smell the poor maases sweet. We need a leadser who understands day to day problems, who can bring one million people to colombo streets, and need not a leader who has only liberal ideas. Anyway i must say Ranil is honest,uncorrupted but he is a dictator and power hungry. So we people of this country refusing him of Leadership of UNP.we need a person with mixture of DS+ JRJ and RP Qualities.
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Raju / September 30, 2013
Harsha is all talk and no action. He can bum down so low for his party discipline, but gives lectures to the government on how to run the country. Harsha is a whip with out a tail. First he must get his house in order before commenting on others.
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Lapatiya / September 30, 2013
Now it became a habit to criticize Ranil W. after each and every defeat. Members who cannot protect their electorate also used to blame Ranil W.
As everybody says Ranil W has some weaknesses and if he can understand those weaknesses he could win the next Presidential Election definitely. I am suggesting following changes to be done immediately to take the party to winning path.
1. Ranil W should use Jet Black dye to color his hair.
2. He should grow his moustache and that also should dye with jet black color.
3. With Immediate effect Ranil W. should change his suit to the “Kapati” Suit from the European suit.
4. He should exercise in Sirikotha in front of Media reporters to suggest that he is a Healthy person. At least he should start Jogging in Galle Face for Gen. Public to see that he is a sportsman. Do not forget to ware Jogging suit.
5. Ranil W. Should start to going to Temples with “Mal Wattiya” in one hand and a Benz car key in the other hand.
6. Ranil W should try to start a Program similar to “Sasunata Arina” and give more than what Keselwatte Kid gives to all Temples.
7. Ranil W. should start talking about “Jaathi Aalaya” “Desha Premaya” “Territorial Integrity” “Rana Viruwo” “International conspiracy” at least 100-150 times a day and while speaking he should bang his chest by both hands.
8. Immediately Ranil W. also should make something like “Magick Bole” from Indian Pusari and always keep in his right hand to have the public attention.
9. If Ranil W cannot be a shameless person he will never ever be a President in this country.
10. Where ever Ranil W. goes he should carry a small kid while joking with kids mother.
11. Ranil W should chase all decent UNP members out and take Child Rapists, Criminals, Drug Dealers and Killers as members.
12. Ranil W. should appoint all his family members in all important Positions in UNP working committee to make sure that he will be the Life time Leader in UNP.
13. Ranil W. should not forget to observe 5 sil in Sirikotha in front of Kili Maha Rajas Camera for General Public to know that he is a real “Upasaka”
14. Ranil W always should try to ask Mahanayaka’s views for everything publicly and just ignore them when implementing.
15. Ranil W. should always speak about Human Rights, Media Freedom, Independency of Judiciary, Independent Commissions and should act as “Jathiye Aadambarakara Mahappa”
Actually to tell you the truth these are not my suggestions and those are our Intelligent Voters suggestions of north-east and central province. May be Voters in other provinces also look for those changes to vote for UNP except Northern Province.
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Lapatiya / September 30, 2013
Actually I forgot to mention that Ranil W should sack Tissa Attanayaka from the General Secretory post with immediate effect and recruit either Sampath Vidanapathirana or Saruwa Sunil. As national Organizer he should appoint Julampitiye Amare in place of Daya Gamage.
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srilal / October 1, 2013
Lapatiya ,
Excellent suggestions man ! tell you the truth , your writings brought back laughter& humor , which we desperately need ! bravo
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Leo76 / September 30, 2013
Same old story after each election defeat! Ranil should do everyone a favour and [Edited out].
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Ali / September 30, 2013
Maybe, Ranil can develop the country. But someone has to help him come into power first, for him to do it as he himself is not capable of winning any elections
Just being an opposition leader alone, he is so stubborn that he does not respect people’s will that he must step down…
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shankar / October 1, 2013
“Maybe, Ranil can develop the country. But someone has to help him come into power first” Gamini?
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sajid / September 30, 2013
RAnil pls do sri lanka a favor and resign honorably before things get ugly…
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Adhil nizam / October 1, 2013
Im making this comment because Harsha is a fairly educated man and its worth making the effort… But if Harsha and the rest of the UNP MPs dont know the reasons for the defeat after defeat of the UNP for the past 20 years by now, then their is NO hope. FIRST AND FOREMOST, the solution is for Ranil to stop down. He is wayyyyy past his expiration date. Any other reforms with out Ranil stepping down is a WASTE OF everyone time.. and a fairy dust to fool everyone. My family has been UNPers for Generations. However, we will not vote for the UNP as long as Ranil is leader. Plain and Simple. Its upto the UNP leaders to decide what they want to do.
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dhamm mayadunne / October 1, 2013
It is crystal clear that SriLanka has now become a militarized state.17th A. Demolished hence no indipendent Commissions
.All electronic & printed medias under the control of the President. No Check and Balances.
No Tender procedures followed. In short MR is
an authoritarian. Under these circumstances if
MR was the opposition leader he would get same results as RW got in the elections
Bottom line is that.
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Richard J Hay / October 1, 2013
Listening to you propounding on the state of the economy of the country and economics, I thought that you had better sense than to propose that the present leader should stay on in office while other changes are made. I think enough is enough. From what all of us who are watching the antics of your leader are observing, he will stay on no matter what happens to the party and the voters. He does not realise that he is the cause of all of us with moderate means being robbed day-by-day by increased taxes and being made beggars. It is you who should tell him instead of trying to safeguard him. We are suffering and the party is disintegrating. Its about time all of you gave ear to all the dissidents – priests, politicians, writers, sacked party members, etc. especially to the Venerable Bhikku who is crying in the wilderness asking for a change to the Constitution and the country being governed by a prime minister and cabinet! Join him.
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