UNP Decapitated?
By Raisa Wickrematunge
Karu Jayasuriya
UNP Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya is part of the higher rung of leadership of the main opposition party. The introduction of proposed constitutional amendments looks to significantly weaken the position of the party, should they be passed. Jayasuriya faced a string of questions from The Sunday Leader at his residence when this newspaper sought to ascertain the party strategy in the face of the latest developments.
Q: As we speak the main opposition UNP is being decapitated. Mahinda Rajapaksa is at the pinnacle of power. What to do you intend to do about this turn of events?
A: I would agree we are in a position of weakness. In any case, the government has, and probably will secure, the majority. The opposition had a joint meeting, both the Working Committee and the Parliamentary Group. We have decided to oppose the Bill because it lacks the fundamentals that are required for democracy.
We can’t see why there’s such a hurry to pass the 18th Amendment. The first term of the President is not over, the second term has not even begun and the third term will be six years hence in 2016. The 18th Amendment, if approved, would take the country towards single party rule and an absolute dictatorship. Our policy with regard to the Executive Presidency remains unchanged. At the next election we’ll be going to the people for a mandate to abolish the Executive Presidency.
Q: Hasn’t this come about after Ranil Wickremesinghe ‘cooperated’ with the President?
A: I wouldn’t agree with such a proposition. I must confess there have been two views with regard to the dialogue that took place between the President and the Leader of the Opposition. Quite a large number of party supporters felt that we should completely boycott talks because the President cannot be trusted. On the other hand, from a democratic governance point of view, if the Head of State is prepared to look at an alternative model to the Executive Presidency, we could be blamed for not talking to him, and he could pass on the Bill arbitrarily. When the President met with the Opposition Leader he said he was keen to go to parliament and was willing to look at this proposal, for which the Opposition Leader explained the basic fundamentals. The delegation parted on the assumption that further dialogue would take place.
Q: How could Wickremesinghe not have foreseen the inevitable? Would you have us believe he is so lacking in foresight politically?
A: I gave the reasons. If the Head of the State was prepared to discuss a certain issue, if (the Opposition Leader) doesn’t respond, then they will arbitrarily act and put the blame on the opposition. That was why the opposition office bearers felt they should take part in good faith. I must say, good faith was not there, looking at subsequent actions. At the second meeting there was a complete about turn in President Rajapaksa’s stance.
Q: What exactly do you at this stage intend doing about the non implementation of the 17th Amendment?
A: Once the 18th Amendment is passed, the system that we propose would have its natural death. It can only be revived if we acquire the majority. We are determined that at a future date we will see this undemocratic amendment changed. The 17th Amendment did come before the Supreme Court. Judge Sarath Silva said we can’t order the President around. He told us to settle it at Diyawanna Oya (Parliament).
One should not forget that the 17th Amendment was voted for unanimously in 2001. President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne, Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa and Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and so on all voted in favour. It was a part of the Constitution — until 2005 when President Rajapaksa declined to appoint the Constitutional Council, when it died a natural death, consequent to which independent commissions too became non functional.
Q: Rauf Hakeem effectively tipped the scales, giving the government the required 2/3rds majority. What led to Hakeem’s desertion of the UNP?
A: We are shocked by his decision, because we have been discussing the ongoing threat to democracy that is witnessed under the current regime. In fact, Rauf Hakeem made a very strong speech at the late Bakir Makar commemoration ceremony where he specially mentioned the threat to democracy, the absence of rule of law and of fundamental freedoms. It is possible there has been pressure on him from both within and outside the opposition, which we cannot talk of openly.
We enjoyed working with him for the presidential and parliamentary elections and we consider him to be a nice man, though we feel let down that we have to sacrifice our seats to the SLMC, depriving our UNP Muslims, Sinhalese and Tamils of the opportunity of entering parliament from the Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee Districts.
Q: Did Rauf Hakeem have a choice or was he simply frustrated with the inactivity of the UNP?
A: That of course, I can’t say and you must definitely ask him. However until the final decision came he was actually participating in all our activities.
Q: How is the UNP going to salvage itself from this current position? What do you, as Deputy Leader intend doing?
A: We feel it’s not the end of the world. Now we have a common ground to unite again. There were certain issues that had to be sorted out. There was this question of reorganisation and party reforms. We have addressed our minds to it. The reorganising proposals have approved certain amendments to be added to the existing constitution of the UNP and therefore we can once again walk together.
When the country is burning with a threat to democracy, instead of quarrelling as to who is what, we can now join hands — the entire opposition and the civilised society to protect this nation from a dangerous threat. You asked me as to my role, and as Deputy Leader — I’m a great believer in team play and unity. Therefore I’m playing the second innings, and my duty would be to unite the party and prepare a strong team, a winnable team, for the next Big Match.
Q: Why have you remained dormant in the face of this regime’s rollercoaster ride to seize power and absolute power at any cost?
A: We have taken action and campaigned. The 17th Amendment was the UNP’s baby. After a defeat, it takes time to regroup, around three to four months. The electoral defeat also demoralised the people. If you look at the presidential election, it was not free and fair. The guidelines laid down by the Elections Commissioner were consistently violated. The state media went to town. Posters and hoardings were erected with impunity. We are still facing cases with regards to putting up posters whereas millions have been put up from the government side with no action taken. State bungalows and vehicles have been misused. State machinery has been used to the hilt, and this has prevented the opposition from being fully effective. I agree with you that infighting also contributed to a great extent. I’m now quite hopeful that we will come together.
Q: What have you done thus far to ensure good governance, freedom of expression and above all a free, fair and just society?
A: The Citizen’s Committee initially drafted a basic concept. We were able to end up with the 17th Amendment seeing the light of day, thanks to cooperation at all levels — from religious leaders, political parties, civil society and trade unions. At every fora we have been talking of good governance, the rule of law and transparency. The UNP believes in civilised administration, recognising the fundamental law of the land. The future UNP administration will be based on a pledge for just and fair government to take this country to prosperity.
Q: Aren’t all your protestations now in vain? Why bother at this stage when you did nothing to prevent or stop the 18th Amendment from going through?
A:The 18th Amendment was introduced at the 14th hour, so what could we do? We have been planning things, meeting the parties and trade unions. There will be agitation. The opposition parties will come together. Trade unions and even civil society will get involved. There will be a movement against this Bill, both before and after passing the Amendment.
Excerpts:
Ranil and UNP knows this is happening.now they are barking like dogs for nothing.@ this time Ranil should be in the country why he has to go to India.he knows very well and he supports the 18 th amendment.brainless stupid leaders.ALL THE UNP POLITICIAN DON’T HAVE A BACK BORN.AND NUT CRACKERS.[To the editor if like you can publish this.because in previous occasions I have written comment on your reports but you have not published [I know offend articles cannot be publish but this is freedom off speech and feeling. ]
Poor Karu! Maybe he should go become chairman of few companies like he did before…what a politician!!!
It is time he put on his trousers and go home…
Its imminant now that MR will do what he wish, with or without the support of the opposition.
Now its a good oppotunity for UNP to unite as a strong team and iron out all differences and work towards a goal. There is nothing to loose now. Working with JVP is better. People will decide the fate of this government. UNP should not loose confidence as its the single largest party in the country still. Weak links should be kicked out from the party, do recruite educated members.
Hussein, That is partly my point! There is no point in closing the stable door, the horse has already bolted. Now get all those UNP’s MP’s who supported the bill as well as those opposed, build a principled party is my view. Oneday you’ll win. If you develop a people friendly proposal, who knows you might get in before too long!
Yep, the Key word is ‘principle’. UNP became a pickle when they let every Tom Dick & Harry join without considering party policies and principles. A rapid refurbishment is needed, if not it will face the same fate of SLPF.
REMINDS ME OF SADDAM HUSSEIN WITH CHEMICAL ALI
Have you met them, Bash???
How was the party???
The biggest problem in Sri Lanka is not having a viable strong opposition and leaders like Karu hide behind the curtain of “party unity” due to not having a strong back bone to take up their leader Ranil for his repeated failures. What is the point of having this illusive “unity” if they are going to stay iternaly in the opposition?
People like Karu has a responsibility to the nation and act now to change guard in UNP and if not he will die as a very sad person one day.
The whole problem because of Ranil. Why cant he understand.
UNP is just like a catrated bull.
The best thing the UNP should do now is to join the govt. and build up the country. After 30 years of destruction due to the war now they should also cooperate and develop the country by supporting all the Mega Development projects. At the moment what the so called opposition does is to put spokes to whatever the govt. does. Ranil can go as PM and support to develop the country. This would be a big blow specially to the Terror backers like the Tamil Diaspora who are still trying to divide the country.
There is a shortage of inteligent ,educated people with leadership qualities in SRI lanka.Mr.jayasuriya is a man who can be called a leader.But his style is not for the Sri Lankan model.He will be a good leader for a country like U.K. with gentlemen around.
Ranil on the other hand is one of the very few who come up with some strong point of view. But he hasn’t got the talent to follow it up .This is demonstrated by the Gen.Fonseka case.He is the one who said that ” WE WILL NOT STOP UNTIL GENERAL FONSEKA IS RELEASED”.Did he do any thing to achive what he said.No.He is happy with what he gets and stay where he is.After all he became the leader of UNP because there were no other
credible people in the UNP to stop his uncle .
Well 48% of the people gets what they voted for. 52% has to put up with what is going on.The army is looking like a force with out guts when their hero is insulted,not undestanding what their former commander is being given is also for them as well.
MP’s change sides and get rich ,thugs rule their areas,President is laughing ans taking a nation where he would like to ,probably to hell.
Best of luck Sri Lankans.
Jayasuriya is a leader for running horses!
I agree with most of what you say except for one thing – how can you call Mr J a leader. Read how he has responded to Rauf Hakeem’s betrayal. How can he be so mild in this situation. Leaders have to call a spade a spade . It is not a leader’s job to be popular and spineless. I strongly feel the UNP Leaders should be sent to all the seminars advertised on the topic of Leadership. They do not have a clue on what real leadership is. Just imagine if they were running even a humble Kothu takeaway. The employees will be working for the competition during their off days and the gentle Mr KJ will be saying. ” I just don’t know why they are doing this, you must ask them”
Dr. Wijebahu: Shortage of intelligent people in Sri Lanka : Where are you ?You will not waste an opportunty to deliver a low ball in praise of the Ex Army Commander, will you ? Army is looking like a force with out guts when their hero is insulted ? Do you like to see an uprising by the soldiers instead, bring back the ex Commander from custody and make him the supreme ruler and put the rulers behind bars instead ? Keep dreaming my friend..
It was Karu that actually sharpened the knife that would eventually decapitate the UNP, if not already done, by first abandoning the party with so many others allowing a monster to grow and grow. He should desist from talking and try to salvage what is left of the party. Ranil should step down if he does not want to see the UNP pushed into oblivion.
Mahinda Raja with his computer gil marts will stay in power til very old then Namal will take over, Basil will be the prime minister – it wll be an all out one Government full of corruption and maladmininstration.
Karu you are sooooooo handsome, if you divorce your wife I’ll marry you (I’m 35)
Srima Dissanayakka will not like you. Who knows maybe she also feels the same about Karu. Also, she is very close to him. So be careful.
First of all I dont understand why UNP cannot iron out differences & unite again.. most of those news reports are not true cause there is no media freedom in the country.. everybody including journalists love their lives. they dont write the truth… I personally dont like JVP,but their unity is good.
Late Buruwansa is the one who destroy Ranil’s image & UNP the most.. anyway now no point to talk about 18th amendment.. its too late.. its a shame JR’s nephew fall into notorious king’s trap.. still we have seen examples from the world, Saddam Hussein, Ershad, Marcos, Karma is a boomarang. Poland president is a good example. I wish !!!!!!!!!
Notorious king should remember everyday is not X’mas..
Most of the UNPers who jumped or are saying that they will support the 18th Amendment say that they did or are doing so because of Ranil’s obstinacy. Maybe Ranil is partly to blame but many of those guys definitely have their personal agendas and are lying.
The Country is now in grave danger and the situation is dangerous and desperate. Desperate situations need desperate remedial measures.
If Ranil has any Love for His Country he should immediately resign from Leadership of the UNP and on Tuesday in Parliament so inform members and demand that all those jokers now vote against the 18th Amendment.
If this happens, and at least some of those jokers, through shame, relent and defeat the Bill Ranil would earn his rightful place as the Respected and Honourable Leader of the UNP.
Yakolis,
Ur idea is good, but do u think Ranil will do it ? he is acting like another power eager politician now.. thats it..
D’shan,
This is an “all or nothing gamble” that Ranil must take to save the country and himself. If that power crazy idiot does not do it, it is caput both for the country and for Ranil.
These are the very people who are destroying the UNP. egrettably, as long as UNP is controlled by such pathetic old farts as Karu and Rani, UNP will be ineffective for years to come. Young, vibrant and dynamic people within the UNP part need to emerge to form a credible opposition and hopefully form a future government with vision and fairness.
It is difficult to “cover a naked body with your palms”. Karu is trying to do the same. Karu is no different from Ranil. They are equally responsible for the present predicament faced by the UNP.
even the government of Sri Lanka cannot apply real democracy. How can Tamils expect the democracy from the same government. I doubt that even if UNP come to power, it will ever remove the amendement. So it is a dangerous move.
There must be democracy within political parties before they ask for democracy in the country. Why did Ranil go for talks with MR without consulting his Party. Is he the Party (like Hitler once said of him-self)
srima dissanayake is 65 i am nonly 35 who is soft?
The UNP is like a totally deflated balloon – with huge holes in it. Even if the holes are repaired, it will never get back to its former glory like during Dudley Senanayake’s era. The party started deteriorating from JR Jayawardena’s era – and now reached the current situation from where it will never recover. The reason – poor leadership – and lack of any future leadership. Its best the UNP is totally disbanded and a progressive party is formed as a strong opponent to the present government – but with constructive principles based on a unitary nation of Sri Lanka. After all, everything changes – and its time to give up stupid traditional notions about keeping a GOP alive.
Whether Srima Dissanayake and Karu Jayasuriya have a clandenstine love affair or not, well that is different. What Asha Soysa is proposing is preposterous. She wants to break the marriage of Karu so that Asha can marry hKaru, this is going too far. I know Asha is only 35 and soft, but still! it’s going too far. Also, I know Karu is handsome and rich and is an attraction to females; look at his photo above – so beautiful
I am not trying to stop the Karu – Srima Dissanayake clandenstine relationship. Ionly want Karu for his money because I know after Tender Scandals he is now very very rich. Once his money is over I will divorce him like a hot potatoe. I do not find him handsome but say so because I like his money
Karu has given me immense love and affection, Asha please do not come in the middle of us. Please do not commit sins. We are enjoying what we are doing.
Karu’s wife? Go to hell. Ask her to fly a kite