Columns

• Ranil’s office says 34 political parties and others express support for President and his “Puluwan Sri Lanka” campaign
• 27 parties and other groups pledge allegiance to SJB leader Premadasa
• NPP leader Anura Kumara rejects proposals to form alliances with others, says only those with genuine commitment will remain in party
• Namal’s entry may deny Ranil of some SLPP votes, but how much is the question

By Our Political Editor

Thirty-nine aspirants who want to be the ninth Executive President of Sri Lanka gathered in a first-floor conference room—almost the size of two buses parked alongside—at the Election Commission office in Rajagiriya last Thursday. Each candidate was accompanied by legal counsel and two signatories or a proposer and a seconder.

The number works out to at least one and half million Sri Lankans per candidate with the nation’s population of 22 million. In marked contrast, in the United States where there will be a presidential poll in November, this year, the population is just more than 345 million. The main contestants are Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. There are four independent and third-party candidates – Robert F. Kennedy, Cornel West, Jill Stein and Chase Oliver.

The nominations were nationally televised and broadcast. It helped millions see how political parties and groups were polarized on that nomination day. Political battle lines are now drawn. What most Sri Lankans were unaware of was the nightmare it had caused security authorities. It was a lesson on how what happens thousands of miles away has a ripple effect locally. Sharpshooters were on rooftops scouring the skyline with binoculars. The lesson came from the attempted assassination of former US president Donald Trump at an election rally. A bullet from a sniper on a rooftop in Butler, Pennsylvania, grazed his right ear drawing blood. It was luck that saved his life. Inspecting buildings near venues of political events of major candidates has now become standard operational procedure.

Sections of the road outside the Election Commission office were assigned to supporters of candidates of different political hues. The idea was to prevent them from mingling with each other and thus avoid clashes. On the contrary, “Paparey” bands hired by almost every side played baila and other tunes to the drowning drumbeat. The crowds gyrated in mirth and appeared to be in good spirits. The focus was on four formidable contestants. Among them is Ranil Wickremesinghe, an independent candidate. He was allotted the symbol of the gas cylinder. It seemed a coincidence that he took over as President in 2022 when people took to the streets with empty gas cylinders after an acute shortage left their kitchens dry. He was responsible for ending it.  The other leading candidates are: Sajith Premadasa, Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB – Telephone symbol), Anura Kumara Dissanayake, National People’s Power (NPP – Compass) and Namal Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP – Lotus Bud).

Thirty-four political parties and groups signed a Memorandum of Understanding with independent presidential candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe to support him at the September 21 presidential election. Picture shows the signing ceremony in progress at the Waters Edge in Battaramulla.

Impact of Namal’s entry

The formidable factor notwithstanding, the late entry of Namal Rajapaksa does have other ramifications. Originally, the SLPP was to extend its support to Ranil Wickremesinghe. In keeping with the understanding they worked out, Wickremesinghe did write to SLPP leader Mahinda Rajapaksa, seeking the support of his party for his candidature. However, on July 29, the party politburo decided to field its own candidate. Though it revolved around the nomination of millionaire businessman and casino owner, Dhammika Perera, who sought it, he later backed out. That saw the arrival of Namal Rajapaksa.

It is known that the SLPP, now an established political party, does have a vote base with concentrations in most parts of the country except the north. If it supported Wickremesinghe’s candidature, those votes would have very largely, more than the majority, gone to him. He is now deprived of those votes. The question is how many these votes would be. At the 2019 presidential elections Gotabaya Rajapaksa polled 6.9 million votes. If a third of this number, from the SLPP vote base goes to Namal Rajapaksa, it would thus be a challenge for Wickremesinghe. Of course, SLPPers argue that the thrust of their campaign is to become the key contestant opposing SJB’s Sajith Premadasa. Whether this could be achieved, with Namal Rajapaksa yet to learn a lot from the rough and tumble of politics, is questionable. His advent to politics is hereditary and his unparalleled rise is fortuitous. It will take years more of his father’s much-learned tutoring.

Soon after his candidature was declared, Namal Rajapaksa had a meeting with Tamil National Alliance’s (TNA) Abraham Sumanthiran. He was accompanied by SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam. His offer to the people of the north—the establishment of a free trade zone. “There will be new job opportunities and the influx of investors,” he told a dinner for print journalists at the Colombo Hilton. There was little or nothing on some of the key issues affecting the north, like the implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.

National People’s Power leader, Anura Kumara Dissanayake with his supporters

On the other hand, as previously pointed out, one of the biggest shortcomings in Wickremesinghe’s media campaign is the absence of any spokesperson to respond to media queries. The Media Division only provides comprehensive coverage of his engagements. I asked a senior United National Party (UNP) member for his views on the absence of SLPP support and consequently their votes. He spoke on grounds of anonymity since he is not authorised. “We are not overtly concerned. As you know, the majority of the SLPP top people have joined us. Their vote base will make up for that little loss,” he said. That is not all. He added “Don’t forget we have our own vote base in other parts of the country. With that President Wickremesinghe can overcome the challenges.”

Camaraderie

There was camaraderie among the candidates gathered at the Election Commission conference room. President Wickremesinghe was seen shaking hands with many of them. He also engaged some in brief conversations. One was NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake from whom he asked humorously how the polls campaign was going. There was also a tete-a-tete with former Justice Minister and candidate Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe. There was an uneasy moment too. It came when Wickremesinghe thrust his arm for a handshake with Sajith Premadasa. He reciprocated by sitting still in his chair and clasping his hand in ayubowan style. There was no smile, and he sported a serious face. No doubt that lack of basic humility reflected his bitterness but coming as it does from one aspiring to be a President is telling. Leo Tolstoy once remarked, “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.”

On nomination day, the lighter moments included one in which Premadasa walked behind the row of Election Commission officials with his nomination papers. He was seen signing it from that platform facing the other visitors. Another candidate was heard to remark that he was doing so on astrological advice. He had to look in the direction of the east and place his signature. Election Commission Chairman, R.M.A.L. Ratnayake and the four commission members sat in a row. They were M.A.P.C. Perera, Ameer Faiz, Anusuya Shanmuganathan and Professor Lakshman Dissanayake. Also on the head table was Election Commissioner General M.K. Saman Ratnayake. Each person handled the nomination papers of eight candidates. Television cameras focusing on nomination papers were to make some interesting disclosures. Former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe (Independent) was accompanied by onetime Chief Justice, Sarath Nanda de Silva. His National Identity Card appeared on television screens with his profession written, as usual, in Sinhala. It said agravinishyakara or Chief Justice. Obviously, he has held the card for a longer period.

The main candidates have planned more than 120 election rallies countrywide. It is different for the less fortunate. Take for example civil society activist Oshala Herath. He declared that his contact with the people would be outside the Fort Railway Station. He wants to pitch his case before travellers. Unlike millions of rupees for a campaign, it would only cost him a platform ticket.

Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) l;eader Sajith Premadasa with General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara (left) and Kabir Hashim (right).

Election Commission chairman Ratnayake rejected two objections raised in respect of the nomination papers. One was against Ven. Battaramulle Seelaratana Thera (Janasetha Peramuna). The priest is a strong advocate for the legalisation of ganja (cannabis sativa). He argues that there is historical evidence of it being used by soldiers during wars of yore. He is an outspoken critic of the government and has often complained that teachers and other state sector employees have not been adequately paid. The other objection was against Janaka Ratnayake, former Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) and representing the United Lanka Podujana Party. He has also been a strong critic of the government’s electricity pricing policies. The event ended at noon, allowing the main candidates to address their voters. Technically that was the beginning of their polls campaigns after formally becoming candidates.

Puluwan Sri Lanka

SLPP presidential candidate, Namal Rajapaksa

“The economic stability we created,” President Wickremesinghe said, “has to be taken forward and completed.” It is the economic revival that will improve the living conditions of the people, he pointed out. On Friday, just a day after the nominations, the Presidential Media Division said in a news release that “Thirty-four parties have signed the “Puluwan Sri Lanka” agreement, pledging their support for the President in the upcoming presidential election.

It went on to say that “President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasised that the “Puluwan Sri Lanka” agreement, signed by 34 political parties and alliances, was not intended to create a new political party but to unite the nation and build a brighter future for the country and its people. He noted that those who signed this agreement are not individuals who shied away from the economic challenges, but rather, they are people who embraced these challenges, believing in the potential to rebuild the country.

“President Wickremesinghe made these remarks during the opening ceremony of the “Puluwan Sri Lanka” agreement signing, held (on Friday morning) at the Water’s Edge Hotel in Battaramulla. The convention was jointly signed by 34 political parties in support of the President for the upcoming presidential election.

“The ceremony was consecrated and blessed by the Maha Sangha with Seth Pirith, and religious rites were also performed by clergy from other faiths. In his address, the President stated that while other candidates may ask for votes by claiming to be the best fit to lead the country, he urged the people to vote in this presidential election with their own future in mind, rather than focusing on the future of politicians. He also remarked that had the country’s economy been allowed to collapse, holding a presidential election now would not have been possible. He added that he is conducting this year’s presidential election to secure the country’s future.

“The “Puluwan Sri Lanka” agreement was signed to demonstrate unity and commitment to building the future of the country and its people, rather than simply forming a political party. This agreement was made by individuals who did not shy away from challenges but chose to face them head-on. When the country’s economic and political systems collapsed, and the nation faced a difficult situation, some political leaders abandoned their responsibilities. Leadership was forgotten, and they were afraid to confront the country’s problems. When I took over the country, there was no party standing behind me. However, the Prime Minister, ministers, and a group of parliament members joined me, believing that the country could be rebuilt. It was because of this belief and determination that we are now able to hold a presidential election.

“Had the economy collapsed back then, there would not have been an opportunity for this election. This is something everyone should remember. The purpose of this presidential election is to confirm the progress of the country. While other candidates are asking for votes, claiming to be the best person to lead the country, I am asking all the people to vote with their own future and the future of their children in mind. Let’s move forward together with Sri Lanka…..”

The statement added: “Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, representing the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna, Nimal Siripala de Silva, and Mahinda Amaraweera from the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, alongside Ramesh Pathirana and Prasanna Ranatunga of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, President’s Counsel M. U. M. Ali Sabry and Susil Premajayantha from the New Alliance, Douglas Devananda of the Eelam People’s Democratic Party, and Hemapriya Kaviratne of the United People’s Party, will be joined by Anura Priyadarshana Yapa and Wajira Abeywardena from the United National Party, Tamil Makkal Vidudalai Pulikal represented by Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, Athaullah from the National Congress, Rajitha Senaratne of the Samagi Jana Balavegaya, and A. H. M. Fowzie. Additionally, Asanka Navaratne of the Sri Lanka Mahajana Pakshaya, Kumar Welgama from the New Lanka Freedom Party, Aravinda Kumar of the United People’s Party, S. Viyalendran representing Mutpokku Tamilar Kalaham, Udayana Kirindigoda from the Jathika Nidahas Peramuna, Mohammad Muzzammil of the National Freedom Front, and Vadivel Suresh of the Ceylon National Plantation Workers Union were also present.

Velu Kumar, representing the Democratic United Workers Congress, S. M. M. Musharraf from the All-Ceylon Makkal Congress, and Chatura Senaratne of the Democratic National Movement, Azad Sally from the National Unity Front, Champika Lowe of the Sri Lanka Progressive Front, and M. Rajanathan Prabhaharan from the Eelam Revolutionary Students Organization, Shyamala Perera of the New Democratic Front, and Sugath Hewapathirana representing the Deshapremi Janabalawegaya were also present. Anwar M. Mustafa from the Sri Lanka Democratic Party, and Chinthaka Weerakoon of the Lakjana Front along with Sirimasiri Hapuarachchi of the United People’s Front, Dr. A. M. Jayaratne representing the National People’s Front, and W. M. Gamini Wijenayake representing the Nawajana Setha Peramuna, Nisham Mohammed representing the ,  K.B. Jayamini Jinadasa of the United Social Democratic Party were present at the event.

On Wednesday the Podujana Eksath Peramuna” (People’s Alliance) was formed at Waters Edge hotel in  Battaramulla to extend support to Wickremesinghe. They are made up mainly of the SLPP MPs who are supporting President Wickremesinghe. The SLFP, EPDP, LSSP, Sri Lanka Mahajana Party and the group led by MP Nimal Lanza are among those in the alliance.  Podujana Eksath Peramuna will function with a leadership board of 21 members. MP John Seneviratne was named as the Chief Patron of the new Alliance while former Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa was appointed as the leader of the new alliance. State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna has been appointed as the General Secretary, while State Minister Chamara Sampath Dassanayake as the Treasurer.

MP Duminda Dissanayake and Minister Nalin Fernando have been appointed as the national organisers of the New Alliance. The Sri Lanka Freedom Party faction representing Nimal Siripala de Silva, Mahinda Amaraweera, Duminda Dissanayake, Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Jagath Pushpadara, Suresh Raghavan and Faizer Mustapha is in the new alliance. Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Susil Premajayantha, John Senevirathne, Nimal Lanza, Priyankara Jayarathne, Nalin Fernando, Chamara Sampath Dasanayake, Udayakanta Gunathilake, Sudath Manjula, Jagath Priyankara are also in the alliance. Just before the President left to hand over nominations on Thursday, SJB’s Kandy district parliamentarian Velu Kumar met him and extended support.

Dr Gayashan Nawananda from the SLPP representing the Monaragala district,  SJB’s Anuradhapura district MP Ishaq Rahuman, former Ampara district MP Sriyani Wijewickrema, Puttalam district MP Ali Sabri Rahim and Digamadulla district MP S.M.M. Musharraf have also extended support to Wickremesinghe. At least three more MPs from the SJB are tipped to declare their support to President Wickremesinghe and cross over to the government benches when Parliament meets next. On Friday, the President’s Media Division said that Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Deputy Leader and parliamentarian Ali Zahir Mowlana would back President Wickremesinghe.

This will be the new main grouping that will back President Wickremesinghe during the election campaign. Its efforts will be spearheaded by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. Interesting enough, the name Puluvan Sri Lanka reminds one of the close resemblances to the slogan used in 2008 by then United States presidential candidate (and later President) Barack Obama in 2008. His slogan was “Yes, we can.”  President Wickremesinghe’s slogan means almost the same except it does not use the words “yes” or “we.”

SJB alliance

Sajith Premadasa has told his supporters that he abhorred political IOUs. He expressed hope that those supporting him would not cross over to opposite sides purely for the lure of ministerial portfolios, liquor licences or cash benefits. Winning an election is not a serious challenge. I hugely believe we will win the presidential election. The real challenges we face are to avert a collapse of the economy, mounting unemployment and spiralling inflation, he said. Candidates Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake were in Kandy on Friday to pay their respects to the Mahanayake Theras of the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters.

Premadasa has also entered a string of Memoranda of Understanding with political parties and groups. They came ahead of Thursday’s nomination.  The Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) signed an MoU extending support to Premadasa. TPA leader Mano Ganesan MP said the seven-chapter document adopted was  a “social contract” and represents the Indian origin Malaiyaha (Upcountry) Tamil Sri Lankan community’s aspirations. Besides Ganesan, Palani Thiagambaram MP, leader of the National Union of Workers and V. Radhakrishnan, leader of the Upcountry People’s Front also signed an MoU with Premadasa. He said 27 political parties have also entered another MoU with the ‘Samagi Bala Sandhanaya’ to support Premadasa.

But many of them are relatively small parties that do not have a large following. Former MP Prabha Ganesan who leads the party Humane People’s Alliance who is also the brother of Mano Ganesan, Eksath Lanka Janatha Pakshaya, Nawa Sri Lanka Muslim Pakshaya, Eksath Liberal Pakshaya, Mawubima Jaithika Peramuna were among them. The United Left Front led by President’s Counsel Jayampathy Wickramaratne has also decided to support Premadasa in the upcoming election. On Wednesday the Ekasath Jana Raja Peramuna led by Patali Champika Ranawaka signed an MoU extending support to Premadasa. Party leader Patali Champika Ranawaka and Secretary Bandula Chandarasekara signed the MoU with Premadasa and SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara. “The upcoming election is not just a poll held to elect a president for next five years. The election is a decisive election which will determine the next two decades as well as the future of children,” Ranawaka said addressing the gathering, but full details of the MoU were not disclosed.

On Thursday, the All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC), led by MP Rishad Bathiudeen, signed an agreement with the ‘Samagi Jana Sandhanaya’ extending support to Premadasa. This was while SJB’s Kandy district MP Velu Kumar met the President and extended his support for him. It happened just before the President left to hand over nominations on Thursday.

There were numerous requests to join us from interested groups in different political parties, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People’s Power leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake told party members this week. He said that way the party had ensured that only members who had a genuine commitment remained with the NPP. The election campaign of the NPP began with a rally in Tangalle and thereafter in Matara yesterday. Today, it will be a rally in Galle.

For the major political parties or formidable candidates, signing MoUs with groups or political entities, contrary to their claims, is not just a mere expression of political goodwill. It is an IOU cheque which the parties that sign will want to cash if their signatory wins. Contrary again to claims by Sajith Premadasa and others, it does include promises of Cabinet portfolios and other considerations. Such arrangements cannot remain a secret forever and will unfold as the winner goes about his plans.

Postal voting for the presidential elections will be held on five days – September 4,5,6, 11 and 12. The formidable candidates are busy rushing to release their manifestos ahead of this. They have 35 days for their campaign that will end on September 18 allowing for a 48-hour silent period. There is little doubt that all such documents will contain a plethora of promises. After all, there is no bar to making them win votes even if such pledges are repeated at the next presidential election.