- That three party leaders who were to join the new Opposition alliance named ‘Uttara Sabhawa’ (US), of which Wimal is President, did not participate in the festivities held in Maharagama to mark the beginning of its political campaign? The dominant personality in this alliance is Wimal, who as a wordsmith must have coined the attractive double-edged title. A common programme was also unveiled at the ceremony. It is rumoured that the three ‘no shows’ – Athaullah, Thondaman, and Navaratne are likely to enter the RW Cabinet and sever connections with the US. These hopefuls are kicking their heels till President RW finishes his negotiations with other MPs likely to cross over and join his all-party cabinet.
- That many journalists who covered the opening ceremony were struck by the incongruous collection of party leaders and the different political philosophies corralled within the new party? The once-famous and principled LSSP was represented by Vasudeva and Tissa, whose contortions and unswerving pursuit of cabinet posts must have the founders of the party like NM and Colvin turning in their graves. NM and Colvin gave up cabinet office for their principles. Their ‘golayas’ Vasu and Tissa gave up their principles for cabinet office. How comfortable must they feel with the communalist ideas propagated by their present colleagues like Wimal, Udaya, and Gevindu [an acolyte of ‘Jathika Chinthanaya’ gurus]. Old LSSPers speak with pride about NM’s heroic speech in Parliament in 1956 on the Sinhala Only Bill brought by SWRD and the assassination attempt on Colvin for espousing parity of status for Sinhala and Tamil. The bomb thrown at Colvin was mercifully thwarted by his countryman and comrade Reggie Mendis at the cost of losing his limb.
- What has our Foreign Ministry to say about the Uttara Sabha inviting select ambassadors for its inauguration? While on one hand it smacks of cheap politicking, it also shows an absence of responsibility as a local political party. Colombo glitterati are calling this party a special friend of China. It will bode ill for the country if parties begin to be identified with specific countries, no matter which political spectrum they belong to. No party should be a spokesman for the interests of another country, especially at a time when several nations are competing with each other to strengthen their position in the Indian Ocean. One is reminded of the book by John Kenneth Galbraith who was Kennedy’s Ambassador to India. He wrote that while the Indian communists were critical of the US during the daytime, they would visit him at night to get scholarships for their kith and kin in American universities. Readers will be surprised to know how many children of our US critics are in the US. Sri Lankan politicians and Army top brass seem to love to have that magical Green Card.
- That the SLPP’s young leaders were all accommodated by President RW in his appointment of state ministers? However, there is criticism that the SLPP list sent from Nelum Mawatha had several undesirables in it. Some of them were under investigation by the law authorities for high crimes and misdemeanours. When the President returns from Japan he will unveil his new cabinet, which may see the promotion of some of the state ministers who had held cabinet rank earlier. Anyway, he has now crossed one hurdle and garnered the loyalty of the majority of the SLPP, which is necessary for him to function effectively. The usual backbiting among our politicians was seen in the rumours spread by interested parties that a new prime minister would be appointed from the SLPP. This is base ingratitude shown to the present PM Dinesh, who has a good record as an incorruptible and efficient cabinet minister. They have dragged in the name of former President GR who is waiting for a visitor visa to the US to see his son and relatives who are longstanding residents of Los Angeles, California. GR would have been happy about the large number of people who turned up at his Malalasekera Mawatha quarters to welcome him back. One of the earliest to call over was big brother MR.
- That there were some SJB leaders under ‘contract’ to give the Governor of the Central Bank (CB) a hard time when he addressed MPs about the state of the economy? One leader whom journalists call ‘Milk Falls’ went on blaming the Governor for not informing Parliament prior to stating that we would default on our debt payments. This is precisely the type of public baiting that demoralises officials. The CB works under its charter and is not an underling of the Government. However, many governments in our region have tended to look on the CB as a rival which has to be brought under its fiat. A famous Governor of the Reserve Bank of India once told the press: “We are independent and I have the permission of the Minister of Finance to tell you that.” Fortunately the Leader of the SJB stood up for the Governor and told the House that no attempt should be made to terminate his tenure.
Is it true…
11 Sep 2022
Is it true…
11 Sep 2022
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Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Automobile, Mother and Baby Products, Clothing, and Fashion. Additionally, Kapruka offers unique online services like Money Remittance, Astrology, Medicine Delivery, and access to over 700 Top Brands. Also If you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.Send love straight to their heart this Valentine's with our thoughtful gifts!