SLFP, UNP in dire straits after LG polls debacle

Govt. partner comes out with unpalatable truth

 

By Shamindra Ferdinando-June 19, 2018, 11:53 pm

Megapolis and Western Province Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka says the SLFP and the UNP haven’t taken steps to shore up the yahapalana administration even four months after the debilitating local government polls setback.

Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) stalwart has said that both the SLFP and the UNP haven’t initiated proper restructuring process to enable them to face future electoral challenges.

Ranawaka said that the JHU, too, was not happy about its performance at the Feb. 10 LG polls.

The minister said so in response to Hiru TV queries on live political programme Salakuna on Monday night.

Ranawaka warned the SLFP and the UNP of dire consequences unless tangible action was taken to rectify major defects ahead of forthcoming Provincial Council, presidential and parliamentary polls.

In a wide ranging interview, Ranawaka said the government could not avoid Provincial Council polls ahead of the presidential poll scheduled for Nov/Dec 2019.

The JHU contested 2015 August 17 parliamentary poll on the UNP ticket

At the onset of the interview, Ranawaka declared that the previous Rajapaksa administration had robbed the national economy and caused the isolation of the country in the wake of the successful conclusion of the war in May 2009.  Hiru sought an explanation from the minister as to why the electorate voted overwhelmingly for Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) led by the Rajapaksas at this year’s Feb. 10 Local Government poll if they were defeated at January 2015 presidential poll over corruption charges and foreign policy blunders. Ranawaka claimed that the outcome of the Local Government polls didn’t reflect what the minister called a national trend.

Acknowledging that Provincial Council polls to three regions hadn’t been held as scheduled last year, Ranawaka said that terms of three more Provincial Councils would end in Oct this year and the remaining three next year before the presidential poll.

Declining to comment on the UNP strategy, Ranawaka said that it would have major impact on the overall performance of the government.

The JHU leader regretted his failure to convince the SLFP and the UNP leadership to reform the National Unity government in the wake of Feb. 10 defeat. The minister explained how his 47-point reform agenda failed to attract required attention of President Sirisena and PM Wickremesinghe. Had they adopted the well intentioned proposal, it could have been implemented with the help of young lawmakers in the run-up to the presidential poll.

Ranawaka said the government would have to pay a very heavy price at Provincial Council polls for not taking his 47-point strategic plan seriously.

Commenting on Feb 10 outcome of Local Government polls, Ranawaka asserted that the SLFP suffered a far worse defeat than the UNP. The minister explained that the SLFP had experienced such a devastating debacle it was not in a position to contest another election. If the UNP lost another election, that party, too, would suffer the SLFP’s fate; Ranawaka said reemphasising that both the UNP and the SLFP were in dire straits. Ranawaka stressed on the importance of the UNP and SLFP leaderships taking serious note of the developments and challenges.

Responding to a query as regards him publicly criticizing UNP leader and PM Wickremkesinghe in the wake of Feb 10 defeat, Ranawaka said the country needed a quality leadership that recognized professionalism and work towards building a respected judicial system. Ranawaka rejected what he called the family practice of the previous administration and current decision making process.

One time Sinhala hardliner categorically denied that there had been an attempt to replace PM Wickremesinghe in the wake of Feb 10 polls defeat. The minister said that whatever the problems within the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe coalition, there wouldn’t be any rapprochement with the Rajapaksas.

Responding to queries as regards the preparations for 2019 presidential election, Ranawaka said that no one believed twice President Mahinda Rajapaksa could be defeated at the 2015 January presidential poll. But, they were proved wrong, he said, explaining that those who worked for the 2015 government change remained committed to yahapalana principles.

Asked whether the JHU would accept PM Wickremesinghe as the UNP’s presidential candidate, Ranawaka declared their support would depend on the UNPer’s ability to convince them. The JHU leader discussed the failure on the part of the government to address contentious issues and the treasury bond scams that led to heavy drubbing at Feb 10 polls.

Ranawaka declared that the Rajapaksas lacked a new plan or new voters and were essentially pursuing the same destructive and corrupt policies and strategies.

Commenting on the prospect of wartime Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa contesting the next presidential poll, Ranawaka insisted that the JHU wouldn’t seek a clandestine understanding with them under any circumstances. They wouldn’t be allowed to triumph at the next national level poll, Ranawaka vowed, adding that the JHU was continuing consultations with the UNP as regards polls strategy. Ranawaka expressed confidence that a winning formula could be found ahead of the presidential poll.

Hiru repeatedly asked how the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe government expected to find solutions in less than two years after failing over the past three years.

Ranawaka alleged that massive coal robbery perpetrated by the previous administration was far bigger than the treasury bonds scams involving the Perpetual Treasuries. Ranawaka also referred to the Avant Garde Maritime Services (AGMS) to highlight special status given to a private enterprise at the expense of state revenue.

Asked whether the JHU was maintaining links with Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanessara thera recently imprisoned for threatening wife of media personality Prageeth Ekneligoda missing since January 2010, Ranawaka said that the thera quit the JHU way back in 2005 when the party threw its weight behind the then PM Mahinda Rajapaksa contesting Nov. 2005 presidential poll. Ranawaka said that the thera backed UNP candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe at the presidential poll.

Ranawaka alleged that the law hadn’t been properly implemented in respect of Gotabhaya Rajapaksa though he was under investigation over various cases. Ranawaka claimed that Gotabhaya Rajapaksa had been given special status thereby causing erosion of public confidence in the judiciary, the minister said. The minister discussed the responsibility on the part of the parliament and the judiciary to restore public confidence, he said.