Sirisena and Govt. embroiled in disputes and deadlocks
By Our Political Editor-Sunday, May 17, 2015
President wants 20A before dissolution; but UNP and JVP call for immediate elections -- Ranil to challenge relief given to Gotabaya by two-member SC Bench; seeks review by Fuller Bench
Five months after the historic presidential poll, the presidency and the Government seem to be drifting without direction. With a truncated 19A in his pocket, President Maithripala Sirisena is trying hard to bag the 20A. It is not easy, though he has asked a ministerial team to give shape to an electoral reform package through constitutional amendments. With growing displeasure among parliamentarians of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and their allies, will he succeed in receiving a two thirds vote remains a critical question. He is not unmindful of the obstacles ahead. Yet, he needs more time before he could dissolve Parliament notwithstanding the great anxiety of the United National Party (UNP) to see an early poll. The UNP believes it would deliver an inevitable victory for it. But for Sirisena and his close advisors, other than the 20A, there are a number of other developing concerns. That is not to mention the fact that ceding a win for UNP on a platter would force him to face accusations of ‘betraying’ his own party. These and other factors are compelling him, like the weathercock, to change positions every now and then.
Just last week, as revealed in the front page lead story of the Sunday Times, Sirisena chose to dissolve Parliament if political parties are unable to reach accord on electoral reforms.
