Unity matters - Dr. Vickramabahu Karunaratne
Apr 09, 2016
It was announced that the SLFP Central Committee will sack the parliamentarians who attend the proposed rival May Day rally to be organized by the ‘joint opposition’ on May Day. So called joint opposition is to hold a separate May Day rally at Kirula Grounds in Kirillapone. However SLFP leaders believe that no SLFP parliamentarian would participate in that rally by violating party instructions and discipline, but assured that the Central Committee would definitely take punitive action against any MP who participates in that rally. They say “It is true that the SLFP CC was lenient and did not take any disciplinary action against those who participated in the joint opposition rally at Hyde Park on March 17 despite strict instructions by the SLFP hierarchy not to do so. As a political party which gives a prominent place to discipline, we have decided to take tough action against those who participate in a rival May Day rally.” They insist that those who violate party discipline could be expelled. However there is much criticism, about their leniency, at the rank and file level. How can one tolerate direct and humiliating attack on a serious attempt made by the President, to bring peace and to unite the country? In past occasions leaders of the country faced only hidden chauvinist attacks when they took steps to resolve the Tamil national problem.
In 1957 when Banda Chelva pact was signed within the SLFP there was no apparent resentment. Opposition came from the UNP leaders who should have known better. Finally they had to face the problem that they also helped to evolve. However in that time there was a latent, hidden opposition of KMP Rajaratne tendency. That lunatic fringe developed into a fascistic political movement under Mahinda regime. Populist, welfareist liberalism of Bandaranayke was sidelined and those who wanted to revive populism were mercilessly shut down. Such was the story of present president, Maithree. Having brutally suppressed liberals within the SLFP, now the same guy openly challenges the leadership of Maithree. I cannot see how mercy and leniency could work in this scenario. May be there is a tactical programme which will be patiently implemented by Maithree. OK we shall wait and see. However the Left should mobilize forces to meet the threat.
Meanwhile the allegation about attempts to compromise the country’s national interests persists. Almost daily now, Mahinda group raises issues in the parliament related to security of the country. Very people who rejoiced yester day that they annihilated the Tamil struggle; but created long standing human rights issues, now are yelling for better armed cover and high security. For the country, best security is the riddance of Mahinda Chinthanaya and resultant fascistic politics. However President Maithripala Sirisena asserted continuously the past period that he would not jeopardize national security come what may. A clash erupted at the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP)’s executive committee meeting some time back when one of them said, that the proposed constitution making exercise would make way for the partition of the country at the behest of secessionist elements. In an attempt to blunt a crisis before it boiled over into a national debate, President Sirisena asserted again that his government would leave no room for a division of the country “We have not yet started the process of constitution making. I won’t do anything inimical to the country,” the President had assured. No sooner had the President made this remark, Transport Minister Nimal Sirisena said sarcastically that some elements were unnecessarily creating a fear psychosis among the people. He had said that before even a baby is born, some start talking about its physical features. It was Mahinda Rajapaksa MP, which started the public discussion on such perceived attempts. It is very likely that He is preparing to use “no to division of the country” slogan to stop the change of constitution and then topple the government by a conspiracy supported by a section of the military. He has a following more than thirty in the parliament and they all believe that he can grab power in near future! Maithree blunts criticism in south but annoys Tamil Diaspora. He remained silent when the members hurled allegations in this manner. But, after things settled down he reassured that he would not allow anyone to divide the country. At the same time he indicated that arms and ammunition could not eradicate feelings for motherlands and cannot bring peace. Only genuine discussion could give a fair settlement.
Meanwhile, UPFA General Secretary and Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said the main SLFP May Day rally would be held in Galle under the leadership of President Maithripala Sirisena. "We have invited all constituent parties of the UPFA for the May Day rally in Galle and expect them to attend,” he said. The minister said he would not give up his efforts to unite the SLFP, as divisions in the party would diminish the chances of returning to power in 2020. “No one I spoke to was agreeable to the forming of a separate political party. I have already spoken to Communist Party leader DEW Gunasekera, MEP leader Dinesh Gunawardena, Deshavimukthi Party Leader Appuhami, parliamentarians Keheliya Rambukwella, Kumara Welgama and Udaya Gammanpila, who had earlier refused to talk to me. They all want to contest the forthcoming local government poll under the UPFA,” he said. Will Mahinda and his group sheepishly follow the master?
Meanwhile the allegation about attempts to compromise the country’s national interests persists. Almost daily now, Mahinda group raises issues in the parliament related to security of the country. Very people who rejoiced yester day that they annihilated the Tamil struggle; but created long standing human rights issues, now are yelling for better armed cover and high security. For the country, best security is the riddance of Mahinda Chinthanaya and resultant fascistic politics. However President Maithripala Sirisena asserted continuously the past period that he would not jeopardize national security come what may. A clash erupted at the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP)’s executive committee meeting some time back when one of them said, that the proposed constitution making exercise would make way for the partition of the country at the behest of secessionist elements. In an attempt to blunt a crisis before it boiled over into a national debate, President Sirisena asserted again that his government would leave no room for a division of the country “We have not yet started the process of constitution making. I won’t do anything inimical to the country,” the President had assured. No sooner had the President made this remark, Transport Minister Nimal Sirisena said sarcastically that some elements were unnecessarily creating a fear psychosis among the people. He had said that before even a baby is born, some start talking about its physical features. It was Mahinda Rajapaksa MP, which started the public discussion on such perceived attempts. It is very likely that He is preparing to use “no to division of the country” slogan to stop the change of constitution and then topple the government by a conspiracy supported by a section of the military. He has a following more than thirty in the parliament and they all believe that he can grab power in near future! Maithree blunts criticism in south but annoys Tamil Diaspora. He remained silent when the members hurled allegations in this manner. But, after things settled down he reassured that he would not allow anyone to divide the country. At the same time he indicated that arms and ammunition could not eradicate feelings for motherlands and cannot bring peace. Only genuine discussion could give a fair settlement.
Meanwhile, UPFA General Secretary and Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said the main SLFP May Day rally would be held in Galle under the leadership of President Maithripala Sirisena. "We have invited all constituent parties of the UPFA for the May Day rally in Galle and expect them to attend,” he said. The minister said he would not give up his efforts to unite the SLFP, as divisions in the party would diminish the chances of returning to power in 2020. “No one I spoke to was agreeable to the forming of a separate political party. I have already spoken to Communist Party leader DEW Gunasekera, MEP leader Dinesh Gunawardena, Deshavimukthi Party Leader Appuhami, parliamentarians Keheliya Rambukwella, Kumara Welgama and Udaya Gammanpila, who had earlier refused to talk to me. They all want to contest the forthcoming local government poll under the UPFA,” he said. Will Mahinda and his group sheepishly follow the master?
