Columns

• But it is highly unlikely the SLPP would try to defeat the November 13 budget because Ranil can dissolve Parliament
• UNP leader wants smart party to rebuild smart country; digitalisation will be the focus

By Our Political Editor

The first signs of a rift within the ruling United National Party (UNP)–Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) government has come to the open.

Some claim it is “a storm in a teacup.” Most others, however, say that the SLPP, the predominant partner, is angry with President Ranil Wickremesinghe over the October 23 ministerial changes. The main thrust of these changes was to replace Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, who was at the end of a multitude of allegations over the poor management of the health sector. This is amidst allegations of drug shortages, widespread bribery, and unbridled corruption. He was sworn in only as the Minister of Environment. He dominated the political cartoons in most newspapers this week. There were different projections including trees running away from his caricature and another where there was a ‘conversation by elephants.’ One asks another whether he knew that Keheliya had become the environment minister.

Ramesh Pathirana, a medical practitioner before he took to politics, viewed as a Mr Clean among SLPP politicians, was sworn in as the new Health Minister, as first reported in these columns. This is in addition to holding the portfolio of industries. The plantation industries portfolio went to Mahinda Amaraweera. He will also remain as the Minister of Agriculture. State Minister of Finance, Ranjith Siyambalapitiya was sworn in as Sate Plantation Enterprise Reform Minister. He will hold no cabinet rank.

Originally, President Wickremesinghe called upon Rambukwella to resign his health portfolio last month. The delay, however, was due to the reluctance of Pathirana to take over a new portfolio, according to SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam. “He was asked on three different occasions, and in all those, he declined,” said Kariyawasam. Other sources familiar with the issue said when Rambukwella was asked to resign, on the first occasion he wanted time since the request had come hard on the heels of the no-confidence vote on him. The vote was defeated in Parliament. He had asked President Wickremesinghe for time so he could attend a few sessions of Parliament. This had been agreed upon, he said. Thereafter, the President had been travelling abroad, first to Cuba, then to the United States, and then to China.

The UNP special convention at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium last Saturday. President Ranil Wickremesinghe outlined party reforms, with the focus on high-tech digitalisation

Social media widely reported that SLPP leader Mahinda Rajapaksa had also spoken on the telephone to President Wickremesinghe on matters relating to the reshuffle. However, he could not be reached by telephone yesterday for confirmation.

SLPP General Secretary Kariyawasam gave the details of his party’s position in a Q & A to the Sunday Times. They appear in a box story.

The SLPP’s anger is only over the ceding of the additional portfolio of plantation industries to Mahinda Ameraweera, a member of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and a minister who loves the limelight. It is on the grounds that a subject held by an SLPP minister had been removed from him and conferred on an SLFPer. “We have no issue with Dr Pathirana. He will do a good job. Our concern is that the portfolio was given to Mahinda Ameraweera. He has overlooked the fact that more than one hundred SLPP parliamentarians are supporting him (the President),” Kariyawasam said. Sources close to President Wickrmesinghe countered that he did not go by party considerations. “He wanted to have the agricultural sector under one minister so development planning would be easier and there would be no overlapping,” said one source.

Kariyawasam said that future relations between the two sides would have to be decided upon by his party. This raises the all-important question of the options left to the SLPP. The soft approach would be to formally express its displeasure in writing to President Wickremesinghe. Thereafter, it could be business as usual. It is highly unlikely the SLPP would make any attempt to defeat the upcoming budget. As the Minister of Finance, President Wickremesinghe is due to present the budget on November 13. Firstly, it would be no easy task to muster a majority in Parliament, i.e. 113 votes or more, for such an exercise. Even in the highly unlikely event of an effort to defeat the budget at a vote, President Wickremesinghe holds the key. He could dissolve Parliament. The prospects of going to polls would be anathema for most politicians in the ruling disposition.

In fact, the point was underscored by Gampaha district parliamentarian Nimal Lanza, who is building a New Alliance to draw more support for President Wickremesinghe at an election. At a wedding at a Negombo hotel, Lanza was asked by journalists about the recent reshuffle and criticism over it, particularly by onetime minister Namal Rajapaksa. He challenged him and others who were critical of the reshuffle, ‘to be bold enough to defeat’ it by voting against the budget proposals. He opined that none in the SLPP would do so.

UNP convention and party changes

Besides President Wickremesinghe, there are three UNP parliamentarians in the government – Vajira Abeywardena, Harin Fernando and Manusha Nanayakkara. Last Saturday, the party had a three-hour-long convention at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium. The highlights were the endorsement of changes to the party constitution and the formation of party branches through digital platforms.

President Wickremesinghe himself announced the proposed party constitutional changes and sought approval from the members present.

Under the changes, according to President Wickremesinghe, the party’s executive committee would have more powers than the working committee. Another change would be that the executive committee would be appointing the leader, not the working committee, the President added.

President Wickremesinghe explained the significance and the rationale for the decisions he has made both as the UNP leader, President of Sri Lanka and as the finance minister. The changes he has proposed for the UNP, one of the oldest parties in the country, and his measures to revive the economy as President cum Finance Minister, carry some important elements, and were spelt out at the special convention. No doubt it is a must-read for students of politics. Here are the relevant edited highlights:

“The primary objective of this special convention, which we are convening today, is to present the new constitution of the party and obtain approval for it. It is important to note that we have drafted this new constitution with a focus on the future. Consequently, the existing constitution has been amended. Allow me to highlight some key points of these amendments. Through these changes, the United National Party is now permitted to establish online organisations……

“Back in 1977, when we were active in the party, there was no television, only one radio, and we had to go door to door. We needed five hundred thousand to one million members to carry out our activities. Today, the landscape is drastically different as we are moving toward a digital economy. These amendments are designed to digitise the party. Our goal is to create a smart party for a smarter country, and we need your readiness to accept this challenge. To that end, I invite you to share your suggestions and ideas with the General Secretary of the party. Two traditional polling stations can be amalgamated to form a digital branch. If this programme proves successful, we can establish a digital party within six months. Initially, let the traditional branches and conventional power structures form their own digital organisations. Subsequently, we can implement this programme on a national scale. This way, I believe we can transform ‘Sirikotha’ into a digital hub. It is important to emphasise that we are a party looking to the future, not the past.

“We are restricting the number of participants to the party convention. In this manner, like the United States and the United Kingdom, the conference will span three to four days, held in locations such as Anuradhapura or Kataragama. Let us organise such a convention. We have delegated the primary powers of the Working Committee to the Executive Council. The leader is now appointed by the executive council, and significant policy decisions are made within this council. The executive council is scheduled to meet once every three months, but due to digitalisation, discussions can take place every six weeks. The Working Committee’s role is to implement the decisions made by the executive council.

“With an executive council comprising 300-400 members, there is no longer a need for a large Working Committee. Our focus should always be on politics, and thus, we have established a supreme body to formulate political strategies…. Sri Lanka’s first digital party is born……

“We should not dwell in the past but look toward the future. If anyone opposes the proposals presented today, please speak up. The silence indicates unanimous support for this resolution. This constitution will take effect from January 1st. Before that, let’s discuss the blueprint for this digital party. This marks the emergence of an open party that can propel Sri Lanka forward for the first time.

“Today, I address you as the leader of the United National Party, and as the president of our great nation. I am not only the leader of the United National Party but also the president of every other political party. Whether friend or foe, I am the president for all. It is with this perspective that we will work. We must separate these two roles to avoid conflicts. When I assumed the presidency, every political party in the country supported me. The Prime Minister and the Cabinet were in place, and there were parties without affiliations. We must safeguard and continue this culture of diplomacy. As some of the initial speakers have pointed out, we spoke the bitter truth in 2020.

“The economy of our country had reached a critical point. We needed 7 billion dollars to recover the nation, but unfortunately, our warnings went unheeded. Even the voters did not pay attention. It was only later that individuals from outside the United National Party approached me to address the country’s economic issues. In Parliament, I also suggested seeking support from the International Monetary Fund. I warned the President that if we didn’t, a grave situation would develop for the people. However, even when I brought this up in Parliament, some criticized it as unnecessary. By May 1, 2022, our country not only faced an economic crisis but also a leadership vacuum. No one was willing to take responsibility. When the ruling party failed to step up, the opposition should have, but even they retreated. Members of the ruling party implored me to assume leadership. When the President asked if I could, I accepted, as it’s the United National Party’s responsibility to revive the economy. It’s not an insurmountable task.

“When I took charge of the Finance Ministry, we began the journey to recovery. Those who fled at that time are now vying for power, claiming to be the solution. And then, on July 9, 2022, the power transition took place, adhering to democratic norms. However, the events surrounding the President’s House, the President’s Office, and Temple Trees were tumultuous. When we discussed this through online technology, no one told us to stop. The country was in turmoil, and the President had to leave the Presidential Palace, taking refuge on a ship. A new government needed to be established. It was during this time that I publicly stated my intention not to resign. My residence was even set on fire to pressure me to leave, but the United National Party will not back down.

“Subsequently, on a Monday, I convened the cabinet and commenced the work. On Wednesday, a group attempted to seize the Prime Minister’s office. Meanwhile, Parliament was surrounded while an online discussion about the country’s state was taking place.

“I notified the army commander that it was his duty to control the situation and take necessary action. Consequently, we managed to quell the chaos, secure the reins of government, and continue with the nation’s future plans alongside the cabinet. I want to emphasise that I took charge of the country to steer it forward. Many accused me of protecting the Rajapaksa family, but I did not seek the Premiership from Mr. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, whether in writing or verbally. I accepted the role when it was offered by the President because it’s a responsibility to the nation. Those who had written to them seeking the Premiership should also contemplate their actions. My duty is to safeguard all Sri Lankans.

“When I assumed office, there was a shortage of fertiliser and fuel in the country. I don’t need to explain the dire circumstances we were in. We had received $3.5 billion from India, and that was all we had. I returned from abroad with a mere $100-200, which was more foreign exchange than the Sri Lankan government had at its disposal. Under these circumstances, we assumed the mantle of governance. We have agreed with the International Monetary Fund to receive $2.3 billion, of which $660 million has already been disbursed. We also received $1.1 billion from the World Bank. Last year, we acquired funds for fertiliser, which amounted to $1.35 billion from the Asian Development Bank. In total, we have augmented our reserves by $1.5 billion, and these funds have been placed under the supervision of the Central Bank. Legally, we can no longer print money. Borrowing from the People’s Bank or the Bank of Ceylon is also prohibited. Therefore, we must operate within the means available. …….

“In the past, the government had resorted to drawing from external sources to fill its coffers, but this is no longer feasible. We must now work within our means……Through this economic crisis, we have realised this. The people of our country are disenchanted with the current political party system. Today’s politicians are losing favour, labelled as untrustworthy, and people are distancing themselves from political parties….. “We must confront this reality and seek answers. Some parties advocate for constitutional changes, while others call for reforms in the presidency and government. They request a change in leadership. However, I want to convey one thing: I cannot rejuvenate this country without the support of other political parties….”

A month more and Sri Lanka will usher in an election year. As mandated in the Constitution, presidential elections are scheduled for the second half. The second tranche of the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) is expected anytime now. The budget is less than two weeks away. A nation waits in suspense.

Kariyawasam says SLPP taken for granted by PresidentSince President Ranil Wickremesinghe became the head of the UNP-SLPP government last year, differences between the two sides have surfaced publicly for the first time. How serious is it?In a Q&A with the Sunday Times , the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna General Secretary, Sagara Kariyawasam, explains: Q: As the SLPP General Secretary you have expressed concerns about the recent cabinet reshuffle. What are your main concerns? A:We have no issue with the change of the health minister. I clearly said that Ramesh (Pathirana) is a doctor; that he would do a better job and that we congratulate him. Our concern is that we (the SLPP) have very limited ministerial portfolios, though about 100 members in our party are extending support to the President in Parliament. The President has overlooked the strength given by the SLPP. SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam Q: Were your party’s concerns conveyed to the President? A: I spoke to him on Sunday. I specifically said we have no issue in giving Dr Pathirana the health portfolio, but, in turn, we wanted his portfolio given to some SLPP member of the cabinet. Otherwise, it would be a problem for us. This was my only concern. The general public too will feel that the SLPP is not looked after and all other parties are being taken care of. Q: Was your party aware of the reshuffle in advance? A: We were aware of the reshuffle. Two weeks earlier the President had asked Minister Keheliya Rambukwella to resign, and he had agreed. Dr Pathirana was requested to take over the Health Ministry and he declined. That was the delay. He was asked thrice, and he declined. Finally, he agreed, but the President had to go to China and the matter was delayed. However, thereafter we heard that Dr Pathirana’s portfolio was to be given to Minister Mahinda Amaraweera. That was our concern. Q: What was the response to the party’s concerns? A: The President agreed. Initially I spoke to the President’s Secretary, Saman Ekanayake. He spoke to the President and the President agreed. But the following morning the appointment took place. Q: But Minister Amaraweera has pointed out that earlier that one of his portfolios was removed and given over to Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi who is an SLPP member. A: We had some kind of understanding that ten of our members would be given ministerial portfolios. When we initially asked the President, he said the appointments would take place after the All-Party conference. When that was over, he had to travel overseas and next time he said it would be done after the talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). But that did not take place. Thereafter he wanted to bring Thondaman into the Cabinet. Q: So your concern is that the SLPP is overlooked? A: The issue is, in Parliament, the government gets about 120 votes. Of these votes, more than 100 are from the SLPP. So, things are taken for granted. Q: There have also been concerns among SLPP members and others about appointments. A: When the Minister is changed other positions in institutions under the Ministry are also changed. If it is given to an SLPP member, it is different. These become issues for us. Actually, our members have been neglected. Q: Has the reshuffle caused some strain in the relations with the President? A: About this incident, we are very unhappy about it. That is why I said it openly. Q: Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe has proposed electoral changes whilst President Wickremesinghe has appointed a Commission for the same purpose. What is your response? A: As a party we are supporting a change of system. However, this type of change should not be done on an ad hoc basis. We earlier appointed a Committee under Romesh de Silva, PC, and a proposal for a new Constitution was drafted requiring lots of amendments. We can discuss that. However, at Party Leader’s meeting presided over by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, proposals on electoral changes were discussed. At the meeting, we did not say we are supporting it or objecting to it. Two people spoke in favour of the reforms. They were Dullas Alahapperuma and Udaya Gammanpila. Two spoke against. Mano Ganeshan and Rishard Bathiurdeen opposed it on the grounds that it would take away the strength of the minorities. I specifically said we were not supporting or opposing it but needed time to study it further. I also said there is a bad opinion in the minds of the public as they think it is a way to delay elections. I said if you are bringing amendments to the existing laws, there needs to be an amendment that if the authority is unable to complete it before the next election, the Election Commission should get power to hold the election under the previous system. Unless such a clause is included our party will not support it. Q: How do you see the future relations between the SLPP Government and the President in the context of future elections? A: The decision must be taken by the party. Any future decision will depend on a lot of negotiations and conditions. We have not yet decided.