Columns

• Pohottuwa politburo meeting decides to field its own candidate; long catalogue of disagreements being formulated
• Namal says decision was taken in the best interest of the party; Bandula makes police complaint over Namal’s Homagama remarks
• General Secretary Kariyawasam says disciplinary action will be taken against rebels
• Several SLPP ministers pledge support to Wickremesinghe, but his campaign hit by absence of grassroots-level infrastructure

By Our Political Editor

Ranil Wickremesinghe’s road to the presidency, after a lengthy journey in politics, is enveloped by some events that have remained a secret so far.

The first steps came when he became Prime Minister is all too well known though not how. On that fateful day of May 12, 2022, another aspirant, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, had been picked as Premier after he was met by then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. He was to be sworn in at the auspicious hour of 5 p.m. that day. If the military strongman, who led troops to victory against Tiger guerrillas, took office, the history of Sri Lanka would have recorded chapters that are different. These were times when protestors were mounting their campaign. That even forced President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee the country.

What is a friend for, if he does not help another colleague, though politically diverse, to get to the top? If that was not good enough a reason, onetime President, Mahinda Rajapaksa, was now estranged from the old soldier. So, he spoke with his brother and President Gotabaya on the need to speak to Wickremesinghe. Thereafter, he spoke to Wickremesinghe and told him that a swearing-in had been tentatively lined up two hours ahead of FM Fonseka. He wanted him to get in touch with the President and make sure he followed through with the advice. He laughingly told Wickremesinghe “he (Fonseka) was rushing there (the President’s House) in his slippers as he had no time to wear his pair of shoes.”

The next episode played out in July 2022. After a stint as acting President following Gotabaya Rajapaksa sent in his resignation from Singapore, Parliament was electing a successor. Wickremesinghe, who was a contestant was talking to those from different political parties. He wanted a meeting with a former Foreign Minister, Prof. G.L. Peiris, then President of the SLPP, but he declined.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe presided at a gathering of government parliamentarians last Tuesday at the Presidential Secretariat.

He sought a meeting with Mahinda Rajapaksa, leader of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP). He asked for his as well as his party’s support. The onetime President was willing to help. He said for good measure he would also consult his party and obtain their backing. This was done. However, it was not binding on party members to back Wickremesinghe. Prof. Peiris openly backed rival candidate Dullas Allahapperuma. He also canvassed votes for him.

Incidentally, Field Marshal Fonseka, who has announced his candidature for the presidential election, had a visitor at his Kotte residence on Friday. It was the US Ambassador Julie Chung.

Mahinda Rajapaksa’s overt commitment to help Ranil Wickremesinghe bears a long history. Despite different political pursuits, they have remained personal friends. When Rajapaksa was President, Wickremesinghe met him at his official residence, Temple Trees, occasionally. The camaraderie had grown after Wickremesinghe assumed the mantle of presidency. They spoke with each other on the telephone frequently. Other than members of the family, Wickremesinghe was perhaps the only guest at Rajapaksa’s birthday party attended by family members. Those who were able to glean over this relationship invited the duo to sign as witnesses at wedding ceremonies of their progeny.

Ironic enough that the strong bond between two national leaders of Sri Lanka, from diverse political ideologies has come to an end. The personal relationship has been strained and one wonders whether it could ever go back to what it was before. More so, after what portends to be a clearly acrimonious election campaign in the coming weeks. Not that Mahinda Rajapaksa has said anything to impair or rupture that long-standing relationship. What is bothersome for those on both sides is the fact that he has not. His stoic silence has been made good by his son, Namal, the Hambantota district parliamentarian who has publicly launched a tirade against Wickremesinghe. On some occasions, Father   Mahinda Rajapaksa has been on the chair and the remarks were viewed not only as endorsement but also representing the leader and the party’s view.

Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) candidate Nuwan Bopage

The latest is last Monday’s SLPP politburo meeting held at the Wijerama residence of Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Fact check:  It has been officially confirmed that it was the Political Bureau or politburo (Deshapalana Bala Mandalaya and NOT a Central Committee or any other body. There are 82 members. The politburo was appointed following an amendment to the party constitution. It has 20 parliamentarians named by the party leader, Mahinda Rajapaksa. They include Prasanna Ranatunga, Bandula Gunawardena, Kanchana Wijesekara, Pavithra Wanniaarachchi, Kanaka Herath, Janaka Wakkumbura, D.V. Chanaka, Prasanna Ranaweera, S.B. Dissanayake, Gamini Lokuge, C.B.Ratnayake, Janaka Bandara Tennakoon, Indika Anurudda, Jhonston Fernando, Thenuka Vidanagamage, Pradeep Undugoda, Kokila Gunawardena and Sahan Pradeep. Party General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam, All Island Organiser Namal Rajapaksa and National Convenor Rohitha Abeygunawardena are ex-offico members. The others are representatives of SLPP-affiliated trade unions and different professions, including lawyers.

With Mahinda Rajapaksa in the chair, the politburo decided that the party should field its own candidate. When it was put to vote, eleven members including parliamentarians opposed the move. The rest approved of the decision. The Sunday Times has learnt that millionaire businessman and casino owner, Dhammika Perera, will be the SLPP candidate. The party will officially announce the candidate on Wednesday, August 7.

The news of the SLPP fielding its own candidate came as a shock for the other groups that are backing Wickremesinghe, who is contesting as an “independent candidate.” Ahead of the politburo meeting, pressure was brought to bear on Mahinda Rajapaksa not to go ahead with the politburo decision. He, however, pointed out that the matter was now before the party, and he could not do anything. In the days after the decision was made, there was more pressure, too.

The SLPP Politbureau in session. From left: Pavithra Wanniaratchchi (Treasurer), Namal Rajapaksa (All Island Organiser), Ven. Uthurawala Dhammarathana Thera (President), Mahinda Rajapaksa, (leader), Basil Rajapaksa (Founder of SLPP) and Rohitha Abeygunawardena (National Convenor)

Now to the politburo meeting. It came amidst mounting tensions between President Wickremesinghe and SLPP leaders. As previously pointed out, an earlier move to launch the polls campaign without the help of the Rajapaksa drew strong anger from SLPP leaders. Party founder Basil Rajapaksa protested to President Wickremesinghe. He argued that none of the Rajapaksas were involved in any governance activity and hence the move was an insult. That was resolved and he had been told that those responsible had been cautioned to work as a team.

Later, many other issues grew. SLPP leader Mahinda Rajapaksa protested over what he called the divesture of profit-making state enterprises. The other was long drawn out—the induction of SLPP ministers, parliamentarians and onetime local councillors for meetings without recourse to even informing the SLPP leadership. He did not pay heed to any SLPP policies nor consult the party leadership over such matters, it was alleged. A long catalogue has already been formulated.

When the politburo meeting began, General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam proposed that the SLPP nominate its own presidential candidate. He said a written request had also been made by Ranil Wickremesinghe for SLPP to support him. Hence, he sought the views of the participants. It was one-time minister, S.B. Dissanayake, who reacted first. When he said that the SLPP should field a presidential candidate, there was widespread ovation. It was only thereafter they realised what he was going to say. “I strongly believe, if we are to win, the candidate should be none other than Ranil Wickremesinghe. This should be done for the sake of the country. We must not forget that he safeguarded the SLPP members,” he pointed out.

Minister Prasanna Ranatunga, who had been vociferous from public platforms, was more moderate in his speech. He said, “I will follow the decision of the party. I will support the candidate fielded by the party.” Mahindananda Aluthgamage, a former minister and onetime confidant of then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, hit out at the SLPP leadership. “You are the people who picked Ranil Wickremesinghe. Now you say that you do not want him. Do you want to lose the election? We need to have a person like him who takes quick decisions. You must realise that he came to us at a time when there were protests or an aragalaya demanding the people to come to the streets.

“One must not forget what happened in 2015. When President Maithripala Sirisena wanted to take control of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), the Rajapaksas could not resist it altogether. He threatened to arrest Namal Rajapaksa over another issue. Soon, the Rajapaksas backtracked then and gave the SLFP on a platter to President Sirisena. How can we be called upon to support a casino owner to be the president of the country? Even at this late stage, I would urge that the party reconsider the decision.”

“What madness is this,” hit out Johnston Fernando, a one-time minister, at the remarks made by Dissanayake. They were soon interrupted by Prasanna Ranatunga and Mahindananda Aluthgamage who argued that members should be allowed to express views without hindrance. Backing them were Ministers Kanchana Wijesekera and Ramesh Pathirana. Absentees included – Shashindra Rajapaksa, Dilum Amunugama and Lohan Ratwatte.

Basil Rajapaksa had to interject two speakers. When Kanchana Wijesekera was speaking, he referred to Basil Rajapaksa as having resigned as Finance Minister. Basil Rajpaksa said he did not resign. He ceased to be a minister after the Prime Minister had sent in his resignation. The other occasion was when Sarath Weerasekera MP was critical of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. He said not to refer to him since he was not present at the meeting and had no way of defending himself. Basil Rajapaksa said it was his view that not a single presidential candidate would receive 51 percent of the vote. Minister Bandula Gunawardena surprised many by turning up at the meeting. He said he had lodged a complaint with the Police against Namal Rajapaksa for remarks he had made in his Homagama electorate. The Hambantota MP responded by explaining that he had received an invitation from a one-time provincial council minister to visit his residence. There, he had addressed some party members. “I thought Minister Gunawardena is not a member of the SLPP,” he claimed.

Namal Rajapaksa told the Sunday Times, “There were suggestions at the politburo meeting that the ballot should have the SLPP symbol. After a long discussion, many agreed with that decision and few disagreed. Then, as a party we took our best decision to put forward our SLPP candidate for the presidential election. After our defeat in 2015, many people blamed us, saying we were trying to build a new political party to bring down the SLFP further and support the UNP to win. However, President Mahinda Rajapaksa was able to form the SLPP and give leadership to help the people who were in despair due to the marriage of the SLFP and the UNP.

“In 2022 when Ranil Wickremesinghe became the president, many people blamed us for doing it for our safety. They also said that there was a deal between Rajapaksas and Wickremesinghe. We supported President Wickremesinghe from that day until Monday, until the moment he paid the deposit to contest. On Monday evening our politburo decided to put forward our candidate for the presidential election under the Pohottuwa symbol (Lotus Bud), and it was confirmed by most members.”

SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam told the Sunday Times, “The SLPP politburo meeting was held Monday evening to decide whether our presidential candidate should be chosen from within the party or from outside. It was decided to appoint a candidate from the SLPP under the Pohottuwa symbol.

“Then the committee members gave their comments. There was much support for the proposed idea amid few objections. Then everyone’s opinions were asked and according to the general decision of the majority, the decision to select the presidential candidate from the SLPP under the Pohottuwa symbol was agreed upon.

“It has also been decided to take disciplinary action against people who do not abide by this decision and those who try to contest the presidential election without the permission of the party. We have decided to appoint a candidate from the SLPP so that we can no longer support the President. The SLPP does not want to stand with the leader like Ranil Wickremesinghe anymore as he holds opposing views and we should contest the presidential election with the leader who will advance the opinion of the SLPP.”

Presidential Secretariat meeting

On Tuesday, just a day after the politburo meeting, there were some shocks for the SLPP leadership. This is when a large group of SLPP parliamentarians gathered at the Presidential Secretariat though the origin of the event is being contested. The SLPP claims that its parliamentarians and others supporting their government were summoned to the Presidential Secretariat on the grounds that a parliamentary group meeting was to be held—a claim that is being contested by groups backing Ranil Wickremesinghe. His Media Division said that 92 parliamentarians had attended the event which was addressed by the President. Photos of those taking part were widely distributed including those from social media. According to numbers made available by the SLPP, there were 52 of SLPP members (names provided) and 27 from other parties. However, the Media Division said some parliamentarians came but did not spend considerable time and hence they may not have been accounted for. In any case, a smaller number (much less than 92) are expected to throw their weight behind President Wickremesinghe. No doubt they will face expulsion from the SLPP. Already the party is to appoint electoral organisers to positions they say have been rendered vacant. In addition, S.M. Chandrasena, a former minister from the Anuradhapura district also announced that he would support Wickremesinghe. The announcement from Anuradhapura came after the party’s district committee meeting.

The biggest drawback for parties backing Wickremesinghe is the absence of a countrywide infrastructure for the conduct of the election. As previously pointed out, Wickremesinghe’s United National Party (UNP) is in disarray and not all bodies at its grassroots level are able to undertake electoral work. This is particularly posting Polling Agents to the different polling stations and later having Counting Agents when the counting of votes gets underway. They were dependent on the SLPP to provide most of such personnel. Now, such backing will come only from the SLPP parliamentarians (including ministers) who are supporting Wickremesinghe. Here again, the question is whether they will be empowered to post such agents on behalf of the SLPP for they are sure to be shot down. Moreover, the SLPP too would name its electoral organisers to serve as agents and back its own candidate.

The SLPP politburo decision appears to have been taken with a long-term objective. The idea appears to be to protect the identity and integrity of the party. Though the loyalty of members now remains divided, the party can adapt to this type of political shock. An example would be 2015 when they faced a similar situation. However, all will depend on the outcome of the September 21 presidential election. A victory for Ranil Wickremesinghe could vitiate this situation.

President in the north

President Wickremesinghe was in the north on Friday, he addressed scholars, professionals and entrepreneurs, according to his Media Division. Highlights of his Media Division’s account of the speech: “The President pointed out that the country’s economic and political system had collapsed due to various promises made on election platforms and borrowing to fulfil them. He emphasised that it is the responsibility of all scholars, professionals, entrepreneurs, and others in the country to contribute to the advancement of the economy through a new economic and political system, ensuring that the same mistake does not happen again. He said that the ethnic problem in the country should be resolved urgently, emphasising the importance of treating everyone equally. While recognising the prominent place of the majority Sinhalese and Buddhist people, he stressed the need for equality between ethnic and religious groups, as well as between women and men.

“Additionally, the President highlighted the importance of promoting the Tamil language alongside Sinhala. He noted that with the anticipated economic growth in Tamil Nadu soon, Tamil-speaking Sri Lankans would have unique opportunities that others might not have. Initially, there was an agreement to impose taxes at a certain level under the programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). However, the subsequent government reduced the taxes based on an election promise, leading to a decrease in government revenue and causing the International Monetary Fund to withdraw from the programme. We cannot afford to repeat that mistake. As we move forward as a country, we must also change our political system.

“During the last economic crisis, no one was willing to take on the role of Prime Minister. It became challenging to find someone capable of leading the country. After the president left, I was told to resign, but no one wanted to accept the responsibility. This highlights the collapse of the country’s economic and political system, which was built on borrowing and unfulfilled promises.

“We need to rethink our political system and make difficult decisions. The country requires a new political system for a better future. This change isn’t limited to the constitution or leadership; it also necessitates courageous leaders who can take responsibility…….”

In another development, the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) is fielding Nuwan Bopage, an attorney-at-law, as the presidential candidate.

So far, 14 prospective candidates have placed their deposits at the Election Commission and the election tempo is rising.