What Is Karu?
Rasika Jayakody
Many believe that Karu Jayasuriya is an umbrella under which many factions of the United National Party can work together with the aim of forming a government within the next two years. It is true that Jayasuriya is appealing to the Sinhala-Buddhist elements which have become the decisive factor as far as election results are concerned, especially in the post-2005 Sri Lanka.
He is a man of a clean track record, whose name remains unstained with bribery and corruption allegations, or any other charge that are often wedded to the names of politicians in this day and age. It is clear that he is a politician who has a sound knowledge of every aspect of his business and someone who possesses a pluralistic mindset towards media and other establishments that are essential to maintain a healthy democracy in a country.
Moreover, he is a fatherly figure who is capable of being a guiding star to many of the rising leaders of the party who will have to take over the baton in the future. All these are plus points that stand in favor of Karu Jayasuriya who has now been propelled into the supreme council of the party in the aftermath of a shameful election defeat.
Kabir To Be Made UNP Chairman
October 20, 2013
As the main opposition United National Party mulls drastic changes to its leadership structure a decision has been reached to appoint Kegalle district parliamentarian Kabir Hashim the new chairman of the party, sources told Colombo Telegraph.
Kabir Hashim
Current UNP chairman Gamini Jayawickrema Perera has expressed a willingness to resign to make way for sweeping changes to the party’s list of office bearers.
Hashim is seen as a party man with the capacity to unite factions within the UNP.
His appointment however is unlikely to be made until the leadership council is finalized by the Ranil Wickremasinghe, Karu Jayasuriya and Sajith premadasa trio and agreement can be reached by consensus. Meanwhile sources said UNP MP Ajith Perera is likely to be appointed president of the UNP trade union.
