WikiLeaks: UNP Will Have To Open Up To A New Generation Of Leaders – US
October 17, 2013 |
“Wickremesinghe’s image has suffered serious damage in recent months. Most particularly, he has suffered in comparison with longtime rival President Kumaratunga, who is widely seen as dynamic and passionate. That said, Wickremesinghe should be able to weather the storm for now. In the mid- to longer term, if the party is to improve its standing, however, it will have to open up to a new generation of leaders. There is a view that UNP leadership circles have become a bit stuffy and are not open to new blood. Humbled by its recent defeat, the UNP is going to have to adjust to get out of its current political trough or face further defeats down the road.” the US Embassy Colombo informed Washington.
Read the cable below for further details;
Related posts to this cable;
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 COLOMBO 000770 Read More
WikiLeaks: UNP Leadership Crisis – Despite Criticism, No Clear Alternative
October 16, 2013
“Despite the criticism, Wickremesinghe seems set to hang on as party leader, as there are no clear challengers to his rule at this time.” the US Embassy Colombo informed Washington.The Colombo Telegraph found the related leaked cable from the WikiLeaks database. The cable is classified as “CONFIDENTIAL” and discuses the UNP’s internal crisis after the 2005 April parliamentary election. The cable is signed by the US Ambassador to Colombo Jeffrey J. Lunstead on May 12, 2004.Ranil and JohnThe ambassador wrote; “Long-standing UNP members have also criticized Wickremesinghe’s election strategy, though mostly in private. In a May 10 meeting with the DCM, for example, former Interior and Christian Affairs Minister John Amaratunga said the UNP had lost the election due in part to a lack of charisma on Wickremesinghe’s part. Amaratunga stated: ‘You have to at least give the impression that you are willing to die for what you stand for.’ During the May 10 UNP meeting, Amaratunga related that one party member had complained to Wickremesinghe’s face that his constituents were unhappy that the former PM never smiles and they wonder why they should vote for the UNP. Amaratunga said Wickremesinghe did not respond, remaining stonefaced. In a conversation with Ambassador on April 8, former minister Milinda Moragoda remarked that Wickremesinghe ‘did not have the common touch.’ Moragoda, who is a close adviser to Wickremesinghe,
