The main opposition United National Party is once again taking stock following its disastrous defeat in the recently concluded provincial elections, party insiders say.
The UNP defeat has resulted once more in a clamour for its leader Ranil Wickremesinghe to step down and make way for change.
UNP MP Harin Fernando told a news conference today that the leadership was seriously considering proposals for change put forward by several factions within the party.
Speculation is rife that the UNP may seek to field parliamentarians Karu Jayasuriya, Sajith Premadasa and Harin Fernando as its chief minister candidates at the upcoming Western, Southern and Uva provincial elections to give the party a fighting chance.
However anti Ranil factions within the UNP warn that the plan maybe another strategy by the party leader to neutralize the three MPs.
Meanwhile plans are afoot to also reappointJayasuriya to the party’s working committee at its next meeting in early October it is learnt.
Namal Perera / September 27, 2013
Hope this Joker will step down with dignity before completely destroying the Party.
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Lasantha / September 27, 2013
Ranil Wickramasinghe, the corrupt, morally and intellectually bankrupt DICTATOR of the UNP who has LOST 25 times at election, has been in HIDING since the massive defeat of the UNP made more obvious by the 80 percent win of the TNA against the ruling party. Finally this appalling liar is ashamed to show his face
The stock taking must begin with the RESIGNATION of Wickramasinghe and the RESTORATION OF DEMOCRACY within the UNP.
Ranil must be hounded out of the party and indeed the country for destroying democracy in collaboration with Rajapassa.
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Devi / September 27, 2013
One dictator cannot tell another dictator to restore democracy. Ranil cannot tell Mahinda to not be dictator.
This is the situation of county with opposition led by corrupt, shameless power hungry Wickramasinghe. Time for the wife who is disgrace to women to speak up.
Rosy Senanayake has done lot and can lead UNP. Corrupt violent political culture is result of Ranil Wickramasinghes collaboratiing the Rajapassa criminals and Colombo NGOs.
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Dinuk / September 27, 2013
Quite right!
Ranil cos he is Dictator has NO MORAL AUTHORITY to tell Military dictator Raja-fukse to quit! At least Rajafukse won and election!
Rather, the Dictator in the UNP opposition is supporting the ruling military dictatorship! What a bloody pathetic circus is politics this Banana Republic!
RW and MR are collaborating to DESTROY DEMOCRACY in Lanka by perpetuating a culture of cronyism, nepotism and dictatorship and ROTTING and CORRUPTING the POLITICAL CULTURE of the country..
The Diyawenna parliament is full of corrupt, uneducated morons from all the parties who are living the high life and have massive perks while the rupee is crashing and the rest of the people struggling to survive…
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Percy Jilmart / September 27, 2013
How can you blame Ranil when the fault lies with the majority idiots who prefer voting for crooks, thugs, drug dealers, muderers, rapists and former terrorists?
All the scum and the riff raft have gathered around MR, the biggest crook, liar and despot this country has ever seen. MR is similar to the evil Sauron in the movie trilogy Lord Of The Rings. But history has shown that evil may reign for awhile but ultimately good will triumph. With all the media on its side, the 18th amendment, the use of state resources, bribes, intimidation and crossovers the MR government is like a Goliath to the oppositions David. One day good will triumph over the evil RajaPoxsas. If the minority Tamils and TNA could do it, then so can the majority Sinhala idiots. For the moment they are happy swallowing the lies and dansals dished out by the RajaPoxsas and the government media.
Have patience, MR with his megalomania will oneday dig his own grave just like VP did. Anica wata sankaara. Nothing is permanent.
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Maheepala / September 27, 2013
Very correct analysis. Those who are reading this, PLEASE read Victor Ivan’s detail letter on these Provicial Council Election in RAVAYA paper(29Sep, out on 27th).
Srilankan people now forgot, how Ranil tame Karuna at the Timpu talks and because of that act Pirapaharan was defeated.W#ait and see, ONLY Ranil can build the nation again. Not the UNP but we have to SAVE Ranil.
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gamini / September 27, 2013
Percy, see the arm chair Pundits who try to put down RW without understanding the realities. Some of them are ardent MR supporters advising the UNP. Although some believe removing RW will help the UNP, quite the opposite will happen where MR will put the final nail on the UNP Coffin. The removal of RW from the Leadership of the UNP was MR’s first priority that he has been at from the beginning. Although MR was able to bluff the masses about the defeat of the LTTE helped by the Americans and the Indians, MR has failed in his attempt in removing RW.
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Hela / September 28, 2013
RW is the greatest MR has ever got.
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Bluff / September 28, 2013
“Anica wata sankaara”. Your words! LMFAO
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Ben Hurling / September 27, 2013
Everlasting stock taking!
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Siva Sankaran Sarma / September 27, 2013
lol true
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Amarasiri / September 27, 2013
Namal,
“However anti Ranil factions within the UNP warn that the plan maybe another strategy by the party leader to neutralize the three MPs.”
This is THE current CORE PROBLEM with the UNP, the Ranil deadwood.
Until the deadwood is cleaned up, the UNP tree cannot sprout and grow.
The deadwood is happy to stay in the UNP tree, until pushed out.
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arjun aruliah / September 27, 2013
While Ranil stays as the Leader of the Party. Rukman and Sajith should be brought in as Deputy Party Leaders. Wake up U.N.P. or M.R. and family will be there for ever.
U.N.P. Voter – Colombo West.
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srilal / September 27, 2013
Don’t fall in to his trap ,Sajith is the early version of MR making ,please do a background check on him , then you will discover the level of integrity and honesty of this so called people’s leader. if possible try to compare the similarities between the duo , both had/has relentless desire and patience to accomplish the desired goal……
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Pasel / September 27, 2013
Ranil was thinking to destroy the LTTE through phony peace talk through the West and now he is destroying his party without any political future to the UNP and gave the golden opportunity to MR family dictatorship
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Jim softy / September 27, 2013
At the present conditions, Ranil wickremasinghe as the Opposition leader and Mahinda Rajapakse as the President are the best for Sri Lanka.
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Fathima Fukushima / September 27, 2013
Not quite.
That plus TNA in hell is the best for SL.
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I am no muslim / September 27, 2013
People in the North have kicked the butt of the man who signed a peace agreement with their hero Velu and offered them self determination to end the war. See the appreciation. Good for Ranil. In that sense, the UPFA who send Velu to hell has done very well among Tamils who hate terrorism.
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Maxpoonday / September 27, 2013
[Edited out]
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Maxpoonday / September 27, 2013
Did your parents get killed by the Tamil tigers? Why so much hate against tamils? You must be the filthiest of all Pisslamists. Pedo worshipping blady pisslamer Fathima.
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Alan / September 27, 2013
Jim softy,
Good joke for this century my dear!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Rohan / September 28, 2013
As long as the dinner table is takes care of by the pay master, everyone is happy!
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Rajash / September 27, 2013
Sri Lanka is heading towards polarisation of two party system
UPFA Sinhala South a racist, dictatorial party and TNA Tamil North East an inclusive , intellectual democratic party.
This will eventually lead to two seperate states.
So VP’s dream of seperate may happen without restoring to arms. Sinhala will fight sinhala and self destruct unless there is a healthy democrcy in the South.
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Cyril / September 27, 2013
[Edited out]
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Patriot / September 27, 2013
This election results has also shown that there are 82838 people in the war ravaged North who hate terrorists and their proxies.
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Senguttuvan / September 27, 2013
One of the reasons why the UNP fares badly against SLFP-coalitions is they have ignored a few factors where voter prejudice has been against them for a long time. This includes the 1965-1970 period when PM Dudley and the honourable and respected MD Banda successfully ushered in the Green Revolution where Vegetables, Fruits and Rice production increased. But that administration was routed by Mrs B’s UF Coalition
despite this tremendous gain to the country. Some of us have brought this to the notice of senior UNPers. I believe some of these were mildly referred to in NDP Panditharathne’s damning report (2002?) against Ranil’s leadership. His faithful hid the critical report from the rank and file although many of us had access to it. They are roughly :-
1. The post-1956 large Buddhist Sinhala vote bank is constantly reminded the UNP is still under the influence of the Catholics/Anglicans (Vatican-Church of England). This is no longer true. It was true in the days of British Colonial rule when Buddhists were deliberately placed disadvantageously. In fact, both Churches continue to do good work through their excellent schools and through various social services. They should not be confused with some of the more radical Born Again Christian groups – some of whose role comes into public censure. It must be said even some of these, like the established churches, do good work and do not engage in forced conversions or engage in any sinister features harmful to society.
2. The prejudice that influenced the electorate during the Kotelawala regime the UNP is under the influence of the Tamils is equally irrelevant – but the mind of the average Sinhala voter still remains
toxically anti-Tamil. It is up to the UNP to change this image. After all, it was the Tamils who suffered most under a UNP Govt enjoying a 5/6th majority – during from 1977 for about 2 decades from then.
As told me by a member of a respected family that ruled this country several times – emotionally the country post-1956 is divided at around 30-35% a piece between the UNP and SLFP coalitions. They are largely a consistent entrenched Vote bank – with minor shifts now and then. It is puzzling why the UNP has not been working to regain this advantage.
Senguttuvan
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Hela / September 28, 2013
You have not touched some fundamental issues that rose long after 1956, 65-70.
Ranil’s disastrous CFA where he publicly acknowledged a territory under Tamil terrorists. the agreement was not presented to the parliament, not shown to the head of state nor the security council. The majority of the people consider it as one of the greatest betrayals of this country and are not prepared to entrust the country to RW and his gang any more.
Ranil and his gang re-affirmed their suspicious intentions when they tried to undermine the successful military campaign GOSL carried out to defeat the military wing of the Tamil separatists.
No voter with a sane mind will vote for such treachery.
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Safa / September 27, 2013
As long as RW remains at the helm any changes will only be superficial. This man has a skin thicker than a crocodile. UNP has also become a party of enuuchs, being unable to get rid of this leech. Why not field him as CM for WPC?
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Nagananda / September 27, 2013
There is no point taking about RW. This person lacks fundamentals in the democracy; readiness to listen to the views of of others. If he had this character he should have stepped down, holding his head high, more than a decade ago, and the people would have elected a young dynamic leader in place of MR at the last presidential election.
The issue is not only With RW but the entire executive committee. All this people should step down (including Premada’s son) with dignity, permitting a young learned dynamic leader to replace the leadership in the party through a transparent democratic election process.This is the only way to restore rule of law in this small island Nation, stopping the country from sliding towards the authoritarian rule.
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Athula / September 27, 2013
I disagree. Ranil has dampened down all moral and sprite – and made it loosing acceptable. His position has been untenable for years and what the others have done is either cross over or taken a back seat knowing well that the so-called leader is in no position to discipline them.
His judgment is very questionable – for instance, the current NATIONAL organizer lost his own seat and was even rejected by the district. There are more than 5 persons who lost the last general election similarly but are in the Working committee that makes all the decisions – at the same time, 7 selected MP’s are out! Defies logic.
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srilal / September 27, 2013
Let me add few more points to your post
1) RW along with his old buddies i.e Long John A, Jayawicrama P,Tissa A, Joseph M.P, et al must step down A.S.A.P
2) A united rainbow opposition with all the decent politicians must be formed (Ven Sobitha Thero ,Karu J,Gen fonseka , CBK (i know she is not a decent politician, but she has that magic power to attract millions of people ), shirani B, Vignashwaran ,Sumanthiran, Azad S et al )
3) The opposition should lead by Ven sobitha Thero till the abolition of executive presidency.
4) Appointing RW as the foreign minister after forming a new government.
5) Under no circumstances extremist, racists, fake patriots join the coalition.
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Banda / September 27, 2013
Seems you badly wanted to undo the cohesiveness in this unitary state of Sri Lanka. Ven Sobitha Thero ,Karu J, Gen Fonseka, CBK, Shirani B, Vignashwaran, Sumanthiran, Azad S and who else! I just cannot imagine the chaos when that lot is in one boat.
Fortunately, the average man is more intelligent than kind of you people.
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srilal / September 27, 2013
OK Banda , that is my suggestion , why don’t you put down your own intelligent thoughts before criticizing others.
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whywhy / September 27, 2013
Srilal
1.Ranil stepping down or removal,long overdue.
2.Not a bad idea but with extreme caution.
3.”till the abolition of presidency,” come on mate
we are talking about Srilankan politics.Not
realistic under the present climate.
4.William Hague lost leadership battle and stepped
down immediately for someone else who can put a
brave face to Labor and there emerged David
Cameron.All Ranil wants is luxury.Make him PM.
5.Extremism and racism must be hated at all cost
by the public and only this can stop politics
exploiting the gullible voters.Temples,Churches
and Mosques have a bigger role to play towards
this and fake patriotism will not even exist.
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srilal / September 27, 2013
whywhy,
final goal of the assignment is to abolish the Executive presidency , to do that we need a widely acceptable , reliable ,trustworthy figurehead to steer the opposition , i can’t think any other person who can fit in to that profile other than Sobitha Thero , if you can , please name him/her.
my assertion of RW’s appointment as the FM is only after winning the election though !
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whywhy / September 28, 2013
Srilal
The point here is not the credibility of ven Sobitha
Thero.Your first suggestion once achieved,what next?
A new leader has to emerge from the UNP and a lot
will depend on that outcome.The next most expected
man for now is,like it or not,Sajith.And the other
thing is,if Sobitha Thero has to play the role of
opposition leadership,why should Ranil go?OK now,
Sobitha thero elected,parliament dissolved and
nobody has the right majority to abolish the
presidency what then?Let us all hope he doesn’t fail.
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srilal / September 29, 2013
whywhy ,
why can’t we come out of the box ? do we have to stick to the same old corrupt system as before ? if we put forward a neutral candidate without any party affiliations and heavy baggage, solely for the purpose of abolishing the dictatorial executive presidency , how many would support ? after achieving the objective, his active role should come to a halt .answer to your question of RW stepping down , if RW remains as the UNP/Opposition leader there is every possibility majority of voters rejecting him and his alliance altogether , don’t forget UNP desperately needs a new set of leaders who are less corrupt and people friendly . if you look at things objectively , out of 225 MP’s how many would say no to the noble idea of abolishing the EP (provided MR is compelled to step down after losing the election ), how many would resist such an idea , as of my knowledge only the racists, extremists and small number of main steam MPs would join in the band wagon, majority would support the idea.
I’m totally against the idea of Sajith Being the party leader or the common candidate , he is the next MR making and history will repeat , what ever said and done karu is 1000 times better than this sajith guy!!!!!!
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Max Silva / September 27, 2013
Same old tactics by Ranil to hold on to the leadership.Very soon Fonseka will teach them a bitter lesson as in the case of the JVP.In other words the UNP will find themselves in third place.Their only hope is Navaneethan Pillay.Cry cry cry Mama’s boy!
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watey ranil / September 27, 2013
Ranil will give hope that he will step down,reform,proposals etc (the usual ranil trick bag)and stay on again as he does not have a shame bone in his depressing self.
All are looking for him to go not play wheel of games,silly appointments and sackings and suspension in his potty make believe kingdom.
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Fathima Fukushima / September 27, 2013
Moderates LOST.
Tamil extremists won in the north.
Muslim extremists won in the east.
Chingalam extremists won elsewhere.
Moderates lost.
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Burt / September 27, 2013
Do you really believe that you won?
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I am no muslim / September 27, 2013
Forget the meltdown Fukushima, hands down, the government won.
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Suranee / September 27, 2013
Minister Harin Fernando,
Thank you for always speaking the truth and for giving many of the descendants of old time UNP supporters (some who are no longer alive) hope. That’s right – hope that you will be the leader of the party soon and chase away all those old farts who think its their born given right to be the leaders of the party. We the new generation have been waiting patiently for decades for a new leader to take over the party and many of us believe you are the person for that. I hope our wish will become a reality soon.
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Sumith / September 27, 2013
Sri Lanka is not a place for Ranil’s gentleman politics.
UNP will be in opposition ofever if they don’t fight UPFA in equal footing.
Anyway with 18Ammendment and presidential powers added with MR’s dirty tactics of controlling all media and defecting UNP politicians to UPFA even if Obama or Lee Kuan Yew type of person comes to lead the opposition Rajakse amily cannot be defeated.
So get over with it.
Plan to live next few decades under Rajapakse rule.
Expect for next Sinhala or Tamil armed uprising for the next government change.
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I am no muslim / September 27, 2013
When do you think that’ll be?
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Sri lankan / September 27, 2013
For there to be good democracy there should be democracy within political parties. In most of good democracies when a party is defeated in an election the first thing is for the party leader to resign taking responsility for the defeat.If any body says Ranil should continue they don’t know even the alphabets of politics and it is utter foolishnes
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sambandan / September 27, 2013
Its time for RW to step down and UNP should get together and find a new leader who is not so wishes. Ideal man should be a man similar to DS & Dudly with a good family back ground. (Karu/Ruwan/Haren)
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NB / September 27, 2013
Don’t waste your time, the solution is simple, CHANGE THE LEADERSHIP, think outside the box and find someone from outside as there is no one inside the party that can lead. Look at what the TNA did with Wigneswaran. Or is it that southern Sri Lanka has sunk so low that there is no credible, honest, leader in the south who is capable of providing leadership to the UNP and is also able to give leadership to the Opposition? How sad.
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punchisingho / September 27, 2013
It has been proved again and again and again again that Ranil is incapable of building the UNP as a viable alternative against the UPFA government. To build up a party the leader must have rich interpersonal skills, oratorical skills, and organizational skills, a vision and a programme to realize it.. Ranil lacks all of them.
Ranil has to go but Sajith does not have the qualities to be the leader of the party.He is impatient and has done much harm to the unity of the party.Secret factions in a party always weakens the strength of the same.
I am not a UNPer yet I wish to see a very powerful UNP in order to prevent the government’s dictatorial path.
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Don / September 27, 2013
UNP and Ruling SLFP (key party of the ruling coalition) should finally unite to form a “Grand Coalition”. Both parties have seniors and reliable candidates (Karu, Sajith, RW, Harsha Silva, RaviK, Fernando, GLP,RajivaW, Maithripala Sirisena ) that could lead such a govt. In this way only, Rajapakshe would be able to create a people s friendly environment in SL. Alone so called highly abused/corrupted dev. projects being debted to China or other world financing bodies can only worsen the struggle of survival of the poor masses in the country (over 70%).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_coalition_(Germany)
Germany`s Merkel govt has worked hard to bring the unemployment rates of 5 to 2.8mio within her last two terms. Germany^s unique problems after being united both states in 89 seem to have succeeded by working hard.
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Sooriasegaram / September 27, 2013
UNP’s problem is not merely its leadership. Its decline in popularity is more to do with its policy bankrupsy than its poor leadership. It cannot inspire people w/o policies and programmes to solve the country’s key problems.JR’s legacy is another huge setback – he has put the country on the road to disaster through his draconian constitution.
Soori
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I am no muslim / September 27, 2013
JRJ thought his constitution would keep the UNP in power forever. But I agree that it’s not just the leadership but the UNP policy bankruptcy as reasons for loosing of elections continually. None can bring the UNP success for it is taken over by ecumenical evangelists gang. MR on the other hand is following the right policies combined with his personal charm.
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Saman Wijesiri / September 27, 2013
Ranil will never step down nor will the donkeys in the Working Committee resign.On second thought, calling them `donkeys’ is an insult to donkeys. UNP activists should either throw Ranil out the of party leadership or rally to form an alternative political party under the leadership of a charismatic public figure capable of uniting all opposition political forces.
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Rohan / September 27, 2013
My personal opinion and opinion of many others is Eran Wickramaratne as the party leader. He may not have been an MP for a long time but his proven track record of leadership,integrity, brilliant mind, his unblemished character,his impartiality,boldness to take on any challenges and his many strengths is the best choice to take the party forward.
I sincerely hope the party recognize this. If Party Leader is not possible at this point of time, Deputy Leader or General Secretary of the Party should be given serious thought.
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Athula / September 27, 2013
You are being naive – Eran is a devout born-again christian lay preacher – voters are 70% Buddhists. Do the math.
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rohana / September 28, 2013
“My personal opinion and opinion of many others is Eran Wickramaratne as the party leader. He may not have been an MP for a long time but his proven track record of leadership,integrity, brilliant mind, his unblemished character,his impartiality,boldness to take on any challenges and his many strengths is the best choice to take the party forward”.
i totally agree with your opinion about Eran, but Do not forget Eran and Harsha are in the parliament thanks to RW who appointed them as national list MPS. If RW becomes the leader of sri lanka Eran and harsha will do the needful not like this thugs in the government.
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Amitha / September 27, 2013
I full agree with Rohan. Eran Wickramaratne will be like the Barak Obama of Sri Lanka
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I am no muslim / September 27, 2013
Brilliant Amitha and Rohan. The way Sirikotha is shifting, I wouldn’t be surprised if Eran becomes the leader and Rosy become deputy leader and St John become the assistant leader of the UNP. The way to go.
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srilal / September 27, 2013
Rohan , you will have to see the bigger picture here , Eran W seems to be a decent gentleman but if UNP put forward Eran as it’s candidate for the 2014 election who will have the last laugh , it ‘ll be a cake walk for MR , you know why ? Gen SF ‘ll put forward himself (assuming he will get back his civic rights),JVP ‘ll come up with their own candidate and other one or two recognizable candidates might come up as independent, in the end opposition vote bank would split in to many !
to avoid splitting one must come forward as a common candidate without any party affiliation , Ven sobitha thero fits perfectly for that profile , i’m sure not only most of the disgruntle SLFP voters but also all the minorities would vote for thero without any hesitation .
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shankar / September 27, 2013
The UNP should have a ballot to all rank and file members to elect a leader.Those who want to lead can put up their hands and let the members decide.Once the leader is elected everyone including the defeated candidates should rally around the leader and the leadership issue should once and for all be buried.Leadership term should be for 3 years.
UNP has come to the crossroads.It has been in opposition for 19 years and must decide whether it wants to be in the opposition for 30 years.
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citizen / September 27, 2013
Ranil,
You one big fucking “PIDURU GODE BALLA” Let the other dogs do their better things and get the failed UNP into business and YOU RANIL get the fuck out of the UNP.
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gamini / September 28, 2013
Citizen your plea seem desperate. Yes you certainly can pick a Leader for the UNP from the type who have crossed over who poll highest at any Election courtesy MR, under the present set up. After all what does it matter, because your type is not interested in replacing MR with someone who will be Honest, Educated and Decent, who will uphold Law and Order but another MR type for your ilk to benefit. Good Luck!
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Rohana / September 29, 2013
gamini You are absolutely right.Ranil is too good for these Sri lankan Idiots. I am happy that I left that place long time ago.
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janefonda / September 29, 2013
Ranil may think very highly of himself but the voters dont think that a guy who totally messed up the LTTE issue( even giving them wepons), misread the situation with regard to former president Chandrika Kumaratunga,trusted the former CJ Sarath Silva,spend most of his time overseas making a nuiseance of himself to foreign leaders, thinks poorly of his own people, does not account for any funds received by him and gets newspapers under his control like the Sunday Leader and Sunday Times to viciously attack his own party men ever deserve to be a leader in this country.
But about 50 alienated, unprincipled and desperate men in a so called working committee keep playing the silly game of ” marching forward with the donkey Prince”. Good luck to them !
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gamini / September 29, 2013
Janefonda, Thank you very much for your intelligent contribution. Readers here undoubtedly value your comment for your understanding. Your ability to understand Intelligence, Honesty and Decency of others to identify a Leader for the Country. Bravo! Bravo!
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ilyasfazly / September 30, 2013
What is there to take stock of an empty room, brain and mind…! the stock taker is loser, loner and leper. he should call it a day for the sake of humanity!
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