• Govt. tries to balance earning and expenses; focus on foreign policy with UNHRC, new constitution talk
• AKD manages to eliminate MR culture at grassroot level; all senior Rajapaksas to stay out of the House
• JVP/NPP seeks two-thirds in House; Opposition parties seek balance of power, ‘clean’ legislators
• Clash for premier post between Harini and Sajith in Colombo; Mangala’s team to also contest polls
• Family connections among candidates in key parties including JVP/NPP; NPP gives ‘ok’ to preferences
• JVP/NPP makes history with blind candidate in National List; Wijeweera’s son fields group against JVP
• RW and alliance seniors pressure Ruwan to contest; SJBers object to Akila joining party, Akila sits out
• Ruwan makes last-minute decision to contest from Gampaha; Prasanna decides to sit out polls
• Clash in ‘gas cylinder’ alliance over National List nominees; Ravi makes U-turn and enters National List
• Lasantha, Duminda object to former ministers in National List; Faiszer seeks written assurance on slot
• Jeevan takes ‘elephant’ to Nuwara Eliya; Harin returns to Badulla; Susil-Dinesh clash for Colombo slot
• SJB seniors act on decision to sideline pro-RW SJBers; Ajith sidelined and Waruna given Gampaha lead
• SJB-SLMC clash results in Rauff noting SLMC wins at Prez Polls; SLMC goes under ‘tree’ in two districts
• Champika pulls URF out of SJB alliance over failure to honour deal and rejects National List slot
• SJB campaigns see clashes in Kandy, Matara; Nalaka steps aside, takes on role of observer of new Govt.
• Shasheendra, Nipuna only Rajapaksa family members to contest; Namal on National List, leads campaign
• Namal, Sagara challenge AKD, JVP/NPP Govt.; JVP/NPP says be prepared, don’t claim political hunt
• Dilith registers Sarvajana Balaya under ‘medal’ symbol; ready to take ‘silver medal,’ ‘gold’ for AKD
• Wimal stays out of contesting and House, says won’t conspire against AKD; Vasu supports JVP/NPP
• Divided Tamil parties to impact final outcome at polls; Mavai retires, asking Shritharan to take charge
• Allirajah moves to gain political clout after entering media; funds Ranjan’s UDV party under ‘mic’

Just weeks after concluding the Presidential Election last month, Sri Lanka is once again in election mode, this time to elect members to Parliament at the Parliamentary Polls next month. Given that many members of the previous Parliament have opted to sit it out at the upcoming polls – which includes three former Presidents (Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maithripala Sirisena, and Ranil Wickremesinghe) and many members of the Rajapaksa family – there is a high likelihood of there being many new faces in the next Parliament.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) and his Government meanwhile are staying the course in engaging with the international community and multilateral donor agencies to continue with the country’s economic recovery process.

Be that as it may, the AKD Government has so far announced several welfare measures that entail an additional financial commitment to the State coffers that are yet to be filled with the targeted revenue for this year. The President has announced an increase in the fertiliser subsidy for farmers, a fuel subsidy for fishermen, and – the latest – an interim monthly allowance of Rs. 3,000 for pensioners from this week. 

While all these indicate the expenditure of billions of rupees annually, the AKD Government has not clearly stated the manner in which the funds will be sourced for these welfare schemes as well as the method used to increase revenue to fund these measures.

These questions are undoubtedly in the mind of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to which the AKD Government has already indicated the need to revisit welfare measures and taxes under the Extended Fund facility (EFF) programme. The IMF has agreed to discuss possible changes to the programme within the existing parameters. The Government has also agreed to act within the set parameters. Nevertheless, it will be everyone’s guess as to how the AKD Government plans to reduce taxes while increasing welfare mechanisms.

It would be wise for the AKD Government to note that the positive messages being received from multilateral agencies like the World Bank on the country’s economy are due to the actions that are already in place as part of the economic recovery programme and veering away from them could have an adverse impact on the economy.

It is in such a backdrop that the World Bank last week announced that Sri Lanka’s economy had shown signs of stabilisation, projecting growth to surpass the earlier estimate of 2.2%, now expected to reach 4.4% in 2024. It was noted that the positive outlook follows four consecutive quarters of growth, primarily driven by the industrial and tourism sectors. The findings were part of the multilateral donor’s bi-annual report, ‘Sri Lanka Development Update: Opening up to the Future’.  

However, the World Bank has warned, despite the promising forecast, that the country’s economic recovery still remains fragile and hinges on maintaining macroeconomic stability, successfully restructuring debt, and continuing structural reforms to increase medium-term growth and efforts to reduce poverty. 

The messaging is therefore very clear to President AKD and the Government – the economy is still in a fragile state with the country still not fully out of the woods. Decisions related to public finances will therefore have to be made not with emotions and rhetoric but following deliberations based on economic realities. It is however not an easy task given that the economic crisis has placed many Sri Lankans in a poverty-stricken state.

The AKD Government however seems to have placed much focus on saving monies from public expenditure to redirect towards welfare schemes.

Testing diplomatic engagement

While the new Government is getting its foreign policy in place, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) last week adopted a resolution promoting reconciliation, accountability, and human rights in Sri Lanka, despite its being rejected by the Government. The resolution, passed without a vote during the Geneva session, has extended the mandate of a mechanism aimed at gathering evidence of alleged war crimes in Sri Lanka for another year.

The Government for its part has also resumed investigations into several emblematic cases that have been focused by the UNHRC as well. Yet, on the issue of reconciliation and addressing the grievances of the war-affected, the Government is yet to make known its stance.

Seven probes

Meanwhile, President AKD in his first 100 days in office seems to be focused on trying to honour some of the pledges made during the campaign.

One of his key pledges was to recommence investigations into several emblematic cases. The AKD Government has accordingly re-commenced probes into seven cases – the murders of The Sunday Leader Founding Editor Lasantha Wickrematunge and Sri Lanka rugby player Wasim Thajudeen, the disappearance of Prageeth Eknaligoda, the case of the 11 missing youth who were abducted as part of an extortion racket, the controversial MiG deal, the Central Bank bond scam, and the Easter Sunday attacks.

On previous occasions, political interference and some members of the military had blocked these probes from progressing further. However, Public Security Ministry Secretary Ravi Seneviratne, who was the former Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (SDIG) of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), together with former Director of the CID Shani Abeysekera, who has been reinstated in the Police on a contract basis, are focused on resuming these probes.

As a first step, Seneviratne has taken steps to make several key changes to prevent any form of blocking of the probes this time around. Key positions in the CID have also witnessed changes last week.

13A in the balance

However, on the issue of addressing long-standing demands of the Tamil community, including a political solution to the Tamil questions, the President seems to be looking at a fresh approach that could witness the doing away of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.

President AKD informed a section of the Buddhist clergy that his Government was focused on introducing a new constitution that would address the requirements of the people. He explained that the existing Constitution had been amended over 20 times and did not address the needs of the people since the laws had been formulated in a manner that suited the government in power at the time.

According to AKD, the new constitution will also be presented for a referendum in order to provide the opportunity for the public also to express its views. However, the move to introduce a new constitution will also mean the abolition of the 13th Amendment as well as doing away with the Provincial Council system.

The JVP has opposed the 13th Amendment and the Provincial Council system ever since its introduction in the late 1980s following the signing of the Indo-Lanka Accord. This move resulted in the JVP also engaging in an insurrection from 1987-’89. 

Interestingly, the President’s comments come following a request by India to implement the 13th Amendment and hold the delayed Provincial Council Elections. This message from India was delivered by India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar during his recent visit to Sri Lanka.

Gearing up for polls

However, Parliamentary Elections will be taking the lead in the next few weeks.

The Election Commission by last Friday (11) had received a total of 690 nominations for candidates from recognised political parties and independent groups. However, 74 nomination papers were rejected by the commission due to various reasons. Campaigning proper is expected to start from this week onwards.

The chaos caused by the victory recorded by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People’s Power (NPP) at the Presidential Election continues to affect the predominantly Right-wing Opposition political parties.

It is only now that those analysing President AKD’s ascension to office are realising how the JVP/NPP was steered to victory by its Leader, AKD. It is learnt that at the outset of the Presidential Election campaign, AKD was aware of the strong grasp held by Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Leader, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa (MR) in the country’s grassroots, especially following the conclusion of the civil war in 2009. 

AKD had on an earlier occasion explained in detail to JVP/NPP leaders the importance of taking over the grassroots that was mesmerised by MR. He had noted that MR had become a culture in the rural areas of the country based on an aggressive campaign carried out by MR’s loyalists. This MR culture was developed using various techniques, ranging from songs to fictional stories promoted by MR loyalists.

However, this MR culture through the years faced erosions for many reasons, with the biggest hit being witnessed during the previous Gotabaya Rajapaksa (GR) Government. The failure of the GR Government and the economic crisis resulted in the rural masses gradually losing the MR lustre and believing the many allegations that had continuously been levelled against the Rajapaksas.

Realising that the MR culture was on a decline at the grassroots, the JVP/NPP made in-roads at grassroot level, promoting a new image. The image of AKD – a simple yet charismatic individual whom anyone, especially the rural masses could relate to – has now become an icon for voters. This could therefore have an impact on the final outcome of the Parliamentary Polls next month.

A strong Opposition

In the face of a campaign by the JVP/NPP seeking a two-thirds majority, Opposition parties, it is learnt, are looking at focusing the campaign at the upcoming election on the need for a strong Opposition.

This sentiment is shared by all parties in the Opposition – the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), United National Party (UNP), Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), and even the SLPP. 

Several parties, following the conclusion of nominations last Friday, have called on voters to ensure a balance of power in the next Parliament.

The JVP/NPP, it is learnt, is looking at calling for the rejection of politicians accused of corruption, fraud, or any other crime at the elections. Opposition parties, especially the SJB, are also looking at calling for individuals with clean track records to be appointed to Parliament.

PM clash

Meanwhile, the main political clash at the Parliamentary Elections is likely to be witnessed in the Colombo District. It is learnt that the clash for the post of prime minister in the next government will start in Colombo.

This time around, the clash for the post of prime minister will be between SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa, who secured the second slot at the recently-concluded Presidential Election, and incumbent Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. Both Premadasa and Dr. Amarasuriya are contesting from the Colombo District representing their respective political parties.

Bimal’s explanation

Meanwhile, the JVP’s history as a party that does not focus on preferential votes became a focal point, with questions being posed as to whether the JVP-led NPP candidates will also be asked not to canvas for preferential votes at the upcoming polls.

However, JVP/NPP Executive Committee member Bimal Rathnayake has noted that NPP candidates at the elections have not been asked to refrain from canvassing for preferential votes. 

According to Rathnayake, the party has only stated that candidates of the JVP/NPP will not resort to violence and other undesirable activities like candidates from other parties to secure preferential votes. “It is not correct to say that we have stopped our candidates from canvassing for preferential votes. All we have said is that we will not fight like other parties,” he has explained.

Family connections

It is also interesting that there are some clear family connections among candidates contesting the upcoming polls.

These family connections were witnessed among candidates representing several parties in the Hambantota District. According to reports, Nihal Galappatthi contesting from the JVP/NPP and Dr. Upul Galappaththi and Dilip Wedaarachchi contesting from the SJB as well as D.V. Chanaka from the SLPP are all related.

Meanwhile, in contravention of what the JVP/NPP has claimed earlier, several family connections have also been witnessed in the party’s list of candidates. One such situation is the fielding of Chathuranga Abeysinghe from the Colombo District while his father Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe is contesting from the Kalutara District.

Also, Samanmalee Gunasinghe is contesting from Colombo while her husband Bimal Rathnayake is in the JVP/NPP National List.

A first by JVP/NPP

However, the JVP/NPP has managed to create history yet again, this time in the party’s National List, by including a member representing the disabled community in the country among its nominees.

Accordingly, Sugath Wasantha De Silva, who is the President of the Sri Lanka Council of Visually Handicapped Graduates, has been included in the list.

Wijeweera against JVP

The upcoming election has shown an interesting case of irony. That is when the party formed by the late Rohana Wijeweera is working to secure the government at the Parliamentary Elections, Wijeweera’s son, Uvindu Wijeweera, is looking at securing power in the Opposition. The irony has made many former JVP cadres wonder about the possible outcome at the polls.

Uvindu and a team are contesting under his party, the Second Generation, under the ‘pen’ symbol. Actor Kamal Addararachchi, who played Wijeweera’s role in the film ‘The Frozen Fire’ (‘Ginnen Upan Seethala’), has joined Uvindu after the JVP/NPP had refused to give him nominations to contest from the party.

Calls to Ruwan

Meanwhile, the Opposition parties are witnessing their own share of issues, especially the UNP, following its decision to contest as an alliance with a group of SLPP dissidents under the ‘gas cylinder’ symbol that was former President Wickemesinghe’s symbol at the Presidential Election. The party chosen for the alliance is UNP senior Ravi Karunanayake’s New Democratic Front (NDF).

The initial decision by the likes of UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene not to contest the upcoming election resulted in several seniors in the ‘gas cylinder’ alliance, especially from the Gampaha District which is also Wijewardene’s constituency, asking him to reconsider his decision.

SLPP dissidents Prasanna Ranatunga, Lasantha Alagiyawanna, and Nalin Fernando were among those who had called Wijewardene, asking him to reconsider his decision. Alagiyawana had said that he and Fernando had wanted to meet with Wijewardene to discuss the Parliamentary Election campaign.

Wijewardene however had noted that he wanted to focus on rebuilding the party and giving leadership to the UNP’s campaign at the Parliamentary Elections, which would result in him having to travel around the country.

RW tries to convince

Meanwhile, Wickremesinghe was not too pleased to learn that a host of UNP seniors had decided not to contest the Parliamentary Polls. He decided to speak with two UNP seniors – Deputy Leader Wijewardene and Assistant Leader Akila Viraj Kariyawasam.

It is learnt that Wickremesinghe had asked Kariyawasam to meet him last Sunday (6). The latter had however not met with Wickremesinghe since he was in his constituency, Kuliyapitiya in the Kurunegala District.

Kariyawasam’s organisers and supporters meanwhile had objected to the UNP decision to contest with the SLPP dissidents under the ‘gas cylinder’ symbol. They had told Kariyawasam that there was no way they could return to their villages and justify the party’s decision to contest with SLPPers while blaming several UNP seniors for misleading Wickremesinghe. The UNPers had further noted that 90% of the UNPers were with the SJB and that the UNP therefore should look at aligning with the SJB.

Wickremesinghe had also asked Wijewardene to reconsider his decision not to contest the election. The latter had reiterated that his organisers were displeased with the party’s decision to contest under the ‘gas cylinder’ symbol and had refused to work for such a campaign. Wickremesinghe had nevertheless asked Wijewardene to still reconsider contesting.

It is also learnt that Wickremesinghe had also asked several other senior UNPers to convince Wijewardene to contest. These seniors, it is learnt, had pointed out that many senior UNPers were not contesting and only a handful of senior UNPers would be contesting instead. They too had explained to Wickremesinghe that the UNPers could not justify the inclusion of SLPP dissidents in the alliance as most of them faced many accusations.

Akila sits out

By this time, it was rumoured that Kariyawasam would join the SJB to contest the polls following several discussions held with senior SJBers. While staying away from the UNP’s Sirikotha and Wickremesinghe’s Flower Road office, Kariyawasam continued to engage with his supporters in Kurunegala.

However, it is learnt that several SJBers contesting from the Kurunegala District, namely Ashok Abeysinghe and Nalin Bandara, had opposed the fielding of Kariyawasam by the SJB in the district. The SJBers believe that Kariyawasam stands the chance of topping the list in Kurunegala if he contests.

Kariyawasam finally decided not to contest the upcoming polls and to sit out this round.

Ruwan in, Prasanna out

Meanwhile, UNP Deputy Leader Wijewardene made a last-minute decision last Friday to contest the Parliamentary Elections from the Gampaha District.

Wijewardene was under continuous pressure from UNP seniors as well as from seniors of the SLFP-led People’s Alliance (PA) to contest. One senior SLFPer also from the Gampaha District had said that he too would not contest if Wijewardene would not contest.

Finalising the Gampaha District list of the ‘gas cylinder’ alliance took till late Friday night following SLPP dissident Prasanna Ranatunga’s decision not to contest the polls. Everyone in the alliance was taken by surprise by Ranatunga’s decision and many senior members including Wickremesinghe had tried to convince him to contest.

Ranatunga however had explained that he wanted to maintain a low profile since he had a pending court case and the unwanted attention on him during the campaign period, especially attack campaigns, could have an adverse impact on the case. 

Wijewardene will now give leadership to the Gampaha District campaign with special focus on the UNPers in the district.

Tussle for Colombo

It is learnt that the preparation of the Colombo District nomination list of the ‘gas cylinder’ alliance has posed quite a challenge.

While there were 21 names to be included in the nominations list for Colombo, the UNP had been assigned seven slots and the rest of the slots had been divided among members of the SLFP-led PA and SLPP dissidents as well as former MPs from the Colombo District.

However, there has been confusion when filling the nomination list, especially related to the candidates of the PA and SLPP dissidents. The issue was over the inclusion of names of former Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and former Minister Susil Premajayantha among the candidates for Colombo. The question had arisen over Premajayantha in relation to whether he should be included as nominee from the PA or the SLPP dissidents of the ‘trophy’ party.

Afterwards, it had been noted that Premajayantha would not have a slot to contest if Gunawardena also decided to contest. Angered by this issue, Premajayantha stated last week that he would not contest. However, the matter was resolved by including Gunawardena in the new alliance’s National List.

Meanwhile, senior SLFPer Faiszer Musthapha had sought a written undertaking that he would be assigned a National List slot following the polls. He had pointed out that despite assurances given by the SLPP’s Basil Rajapaksa in the run up to the 2020 Parliamentary Elections, he had not been given a National List slot after the elections.

According to current calculations, the ‘gas cylinder’ alliance could secure around four to five National List slots, but there were around 20 members of the alliance eyeing these slots. The 29-member list was finally made public last Friday.

Ravi’s U-turn

Last Friday night also saw another key change in the ‘gas cylinder’ alliance’s nomination lists.

UNP National Secretary Ravi Karunanayake had made a last-minute decision not to contest the elections from the Colombo District. It is learnt that Karunanayake, who had maintained that he would contest till Friday night, had later included his name in the National List. The inclusion of Karunanayake’s name was known when another member whose name was in the National List had made his way to sign the relevant paper.

Seeing Karunanayake’s name, the individual, who is a senior lawyer, had asked whether Karunanayake had actually included his name in the list. Upon being informed that it was so, the senior lawyer had informed the UNP leadership and several senior UNPers.

Realising that there was no obstacle for Karunanayake to include his name in the National List since the alliance is contesting under one of his proxy parties, UNP seniors had tried to contact Karunanayake. None of them had been able to contact Karunanayake and Wickremesinghe had then asked the other UNP seniors to let Karunanayake’s name be in the list.

However, it is learnt that Karunanayake had changed his mind about contesting after realising that a Wickremesinghe confidant in the Colombo District had filled the UNP slots in the nomination list with candidates of his choice. This, according to Karunanayake’s confidants, had resulted in him getting his name in the National List.

National List conundrum

However, finalising the National List of the ‘gas cylinder’ alliance posed more problems for the seniors engaged in preparing the lists, with objections being raised by some alliance partners over the attempt to include the names of several former ministers.

Senior SLFPers Alagiyawanna and Duminda Dissanayake have asked that the names of former ministers should not be included in the ‘gas cylinder’ alliance’s National List. They have pointed out that if all former MPs were being forced to contest under the new alliance, former ministers should also contest or stay out without trying to get their names included in the National List, which both Alagiyawanna and Dissanayake have termed as a ‘shortcut’ to Parliament.

It is learnt that the two SLFP leaders had targeted former Premier Gunawardena and former Minister Tiran Alles, whose names were being discussed to be included in the National List at the time. The Nomination Board had informed Alagiyawanna and Dissanayake that Gunawardena and Alles had been proposed to the National List by the SLPP dissidents from the ‘trophy’ party.

Gunawardena and Alles were finally included in the National List.

New faces from UNP

With many senior UNPers deciding against contesting the Parliamentary Election, the UNP is fielding a host of new faces, including youth, under the ‘gas cylinder’ alliance.

The likes of Nishantha Sri Warnasinghe, who joined the UNP from Patali Champika Ranawaka’s United Republic Front (URF), and a group of members from the late Mangala Samaraweera’s Radical Centre and Mangilogy are contesting the elections, especially from the Colombo District, at the polls from the UNP under the new alliance.

Samaraweera’s team is led by Keshal Jayasinghe who served as the Director of Digital Media for former President Wickremesinghe. Jayasinghe had worked closely with the late Minister Samaraweera at the ministries held by him like Media, Foreign Affairs, and Finance.

‘Elephant’ in some areas 

The UNP meanwhile has decided to contest under the ‘elephant’ symbol in several areas at the Parliamentary Elections.

Accordingly, the party held discussions with the Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC) led by Jeevan Thondaman to contest under the ‘elephant’ symbol in the Nuwara Eliya District. Thondaman, it is learnt, has objected to contesting under the ‘gas cylinder’ symbol and has instead expressed agreement to contest under the UNP’s ‘elephant’ symbol or the CWC’s ‘cockerel’ symbol. It was finally agreed that the CWC would contest under the UNP’s symbol.

The UNP will also contest the Vanni District under the ‘elephant’ symbol.

Harin returns to Badulla

Former Minister Harin Fernando meanwhile will be contesting the upcoming elections from the Badulla District. Fernando launched his political career from the Badulla District under the UNP but shifted to the Gampaha District when he joined the SJB as the Organiser for Wattala.

Fernando has stated that despite being assigned to the Gampaha District, he had continued to work in the Badulla District and therefore preferred to return to Badulla.

No nominations

Meanwhile, reports of the SJB looking at axing several of its former MPs at the upcoming Parliamentary Elections without granting them nominations made news last week.

It is learnt that SJB seniors are looking at not giving nominations to three former MPs of the party who have been identified as not toeing the party line and not working for the SJB candidate, Premadasa, at the last Presidential Election. 

‘The Black Box’ reported earlier that the SJB Leader and his confidants had decided to act against a group of former SJB MPs who had received perks and privileges from former President Wickremesinghe during the Presidential Election campaign.

One of these MPs facing the axe is reported to be from the Gampaha District. 

Ajith sidelined

The SJB leadership’s decision to act against party members who are accused of discussing with Wickremesinghe during the Presidential Election campaign, especially in the Gampaha District, was witnessed when former MP Ajith Mannapperuma was sidelined there.

UNP defector Waruna Rajapaksha, who joined the SJB recently, was asked by SJB Leader Premadasa to assume the role of the party’s Gampaha District leader. It is learnt that Rajapaksha had been asked to lead the district when he had gone to sign nominations to contest.

Mannapperuma, who had handed over his nomination to contest the General Elections from the Gampaha District under the SJB, yesterday announced that he was withdrawing from contesting and quitting the SJB as he had been removed from the post of Chief Organiser of the Gampaha electorate.

While Mannapperuma was the first casualty in operation ‘hit back’ by the SJB leadership, there are several other former SJB MPs who are likely to face similar fates.

SJB-SLMC clash

Meanwhile, the SJB is also faced with clashes over the allocation of slots of candidates representing the SJB-led alliance partners in the nomination lists for the polls. One of the key clashes, it is learnt, was between the SJB and Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC).

There had been several rounds of discussions between the SJB and SLMC prior to finalising the nomination lists. During one such discussion, a senior SJBer had told SLMC Leader Rauff Hakeem that the SJB had lost the Presidential Election even with the support of the SLMC. Hakeem had responded saying that the SJB might have lost, but that the party had won the areas that were led by the SLMC.

The SLMC finally decided to contest several districts – Batticaloa and Digamadulla – under its ‘tree’ symbol.

Champika quits SJB

Meanwhile, former SJB MP Patali Champika Ranawaka and his URF party quit the SJB-led alliance just a day before nominations concluded by announcing that he and his party had split from the SJB and would not be contesting the Parliamentary Elections.

Ranawaka accused the SJB of violating an agreement reached with his party, the URF, over the granting of nominations for the upcoming election. He explained that there had been an agreement on the number of candidates the URF could field under the SJB-led alliance but that the SJB had violated the agreement.

It is learnt that the SJB-led alliance had agreed to include Ranawaka in the National List despite a request by him to contest from the Colombo District. This decision, it is learnt, is due to SJB Leader Premadasa also contesting from Colombo at the polls.

However, the final issue that had made Ranawaka and his party quit the SJB alliance was the fact that some party members had not been given nominations to contest.

Media campaign

The SJB meanwhile launched its media campaign last week from the party’s operations office on Ward Place, Colombo 7.

The Media Committee of the SJB-led alliance had met on the second floor of the building under the leadership of former MP Dullas Alahapperuma. SJB Chairman Imthiaz Bakeer Markar, Eran Wickramaratne, Lakshman Fonseka, Charitha Herath, Champika Ranawaka, S.M. Marikkar, Karu Paranawithana (who at the time was in the SJB alliance), and several others had attended this meeting. Two dissident UNPers, Waruna Rajapaksha and Mahesh Senanayake, had also been present.

One of the key areas of the discussion had been on getting space for party promotional activities in traditional media like print and electronic, apart from social media platforms. The other was to push the need for a balanced Parliament with individuals with clean track records being elected to the House.

Godahewa’s observer role

Meanwhile, former MP Nalaka Godahewa, who defected from the SLPP and joined the SJB, says that he has decided to be an observer to ensure stability in the country. Godahewa played a key role in the Gotabaya Rajapaksa Government after supporting him through ‘Viyathmaga’.

According to him, the new Government deserves a chance to fulfil its promises. “I entered politics five years ago, won my first election with 325,479 votes, becoming the first in Gampaha District, and rose to State and Cabinet Minister. 

“Two-and-a-half years ago, when people became distressed with the Government, I stood with them, left all my positions, and joined the Opposition as an independent MP. Now that the Presidential Election is over, the new Government deserves a chance to fulfil its promises,” he has added.

After joining the SJB, Godahewa’s close affiliation with Premadasa was criticised by many SJBers, who continuously called on the party leadership to sideline him since he too was responsible for the country’s economic crisis.

Eran’s new task

Meanwhile, the SJB leadership had assigned a new task to Wickramaratne during the nomination period – to head a committee to look into the complaints being lodged against individuals who have sought nominations for the Parliamentary Elections under the SJB.

SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara has appointed Dinal Phillips PC, Nalin Dissanayake PC, and S.D. Jayanatha PC to the Wickramaratne committee.

The SJB seniors also decided to promote that the party had given nominations to candidates following a thorough vetting process.

Kandy, Matara heat up

The intense competition that will be witnessed at this year’s Parliamentary Elections has already hit the SJB teams in the Kandy and Matara Districts.

With SJB Kandy District Leader Lakshman Kiriella taking a back seat at the upcoming polls, there’s a clash to lead the SJB’s Kandy District campaign between Tissa Attanayake and Sujeewa Senasinghe. This clash resulted in Earl Gunasekara making his way to Colombo to meet with SJB seniors to request their intervention to resolve the battle in Kandy.

Finally, the clash between Attanayake and Senasinghe resulted in the latter being included in the SJB National List. The SJB leadership had to intervene in the matter after hearing that plans had been made for a group of Buddhist monks to stage a protest demanding that Senasinghe contest from the Kandy District.

The SJB National List also includes party Chairman Bakeer Markar and SLPP dissident Prof. G.L. Peiris.

The competition in the Matara District is over securing the seat that the SJB could secure at the polls. It is believed that the SJB might not be in a position to secure two seats from the district and the battle to secure the single possible seat for the SJB has intensified. 

The main contenders for the SJB in Matara seem to be former MP Buddhika Pathirana, Chathura Galappaththi, and Rehan Jayawickreme.

Rajapaksas out

Meanwhile, SLPP Leader and former President MR and former Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa will not be contesting the Parliamentary Elections with around 30 other former MPs, including former President Wickremesinghe.

All senior Rajapaksas who have been in Parliament and MR’s son Namal are not contesting. It will only be Chamal’s son Shasheendra Rajapaksa and Rajapaksa family member, former MP Nipuna Ranawaka, who will be contesting.

Namal from National List

Namal, who contested as the SLPP’s presidential candidate, will not be contesting the Parliamentary Elections.

It is learnt that several senior SLPPers had proposed that Namal’s name be included in the National List instead of getting him to contest at the polls. The seniors had pointed out that the SLPP could definitely secure a National List slot and that it could be vested with Namal.

It is also learnt that Namal had objected to the proposal, saying he was prepared to contest and did not want to enter Parliament from the National List. However, upon being pointed out that his ‘stubborn’ stance during the Presidential Election claiming the SLPP should field a candidate has had an adverse impact on the party and that he should therefore heed the advice of seniors, Namal had agreed to enter Parliament through the National List.

Namal has been assigned the task of leading the SLPP’s Parliamentary Election campaign and attending all district-level meetings to promote the party’s candidates.

Basil disgruntled

SLPP theoretician Basil Rajapaksa, who left Sri Lanka a few days prior to the Presidential Election last month, has expressed his displeasure over the party’s performance at the recently-concluded polls.

He had told several of his confidants, with whom he is in touch from the US, that Namal should have heeded his advice not to field a candidate from the SLPP and should have instead extended support to former President Wickremesinghe’s campaign.

“Apart from being badly defeated at the election, the SLPP was also split as a result,” Basil has lamented, adding that everyone would now have to work to rebuild the party within the next five years. 

Namal, Sagara challenge AKD

With the SLPP launching its campaign for the upcoming Parliamentary Elections, SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam and National Organiser Namal have taken the battle to the NPP, challenging President AKD to prove the allegations levelled against the Rajapaksas.

Namal was the first to challenge AKD to prove the allegation that the Rajapaksas had looted money and stashed it in Uganda and Seychelles. Kariyawasam also followed up last week, calling on the President to prove his allegations against the Rajapaksas.

Kariyawasam further mocked the President and the JVP/NPP saying that the Government should ensure that it honoured the pledges made during the Presidential Election campaign to get what was termed as ‘stolen’ monies repatriated to the country.

The JVP/NPP however has responded saying that they (the SLPP and Rajapaksas) should not cry foul and claim political victimisation once the probes yield results.

Dilith’s medal

Meanwhile, entrepreneur-turned-politician Dilith Jayaweera, who contested the Presidential Election under the Sarvajana Balaya, last week received confirmation from the Election Commission that the Sarvajana Balaya had been officially registered as a political party.

Jayaweera had also requested the ‘medal’ symbol, which the commission had approved.

Jayaweera claimed that the Sarvajana Balaya party would hold the ‘silver medal’ while the JVP/NPP could hold the ‘gold medal’ after the elections. The indication by Jayaweera was that the Sarvajana Balaya was prepared to play a key role in the opposition while the JVP/NPP would form the government.

Jayaweera is to contest the upcoming polls from the Gampaha District.

Vasu supports NPP

Meanwhile, the Democratic Left Front led by former MP Vasudeva Nanayakkara, who was a member of the Sarvajana Balaya, last week decided to support President AKD’s NPP at the polls.

Nanayakkara announced the decision during a media briefing, saying: “Parliamentary Elections are coming up. In this election, our party has decided to support the NPP. Our party will contest the election separately but will do so by extending support for the NPP.”

“We have tried to build a relationship with the NPP to compete together in this election. Even during the Presidential Election, we tried to do so, but it did not work out due to policy differences,” he added.

Wimal supports AKD

Meanwhile, National Freedom Front (NFF) Leader Wimal Weerawansa, who was a former member of the JVP, last week decided that he together with his party would not contest the Parliamentary Polls.

Weerawansa, who joined the Sarvajana Balaya led by Jayaweera during the Presidential Election, stated that there was an attempt by the Opposition to make President AKD the next Gotabaya Rajapaksa and that the NFF had decided not to be part of that attempt.

Several Tamil teams

Meanwhile, the outcome of the split among the northern Tamil political parties will be witnessed at the polls, with several Tamil political parties deciding to field different groups to contest.

The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK), the main constituent party of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), has decided to contest separately, while many senior ITAK members and former MPs have decided not to contest at all.

Change in leadership

Meanwhile, ITAK Leader Mavai Senathirajah has stepped down from the party leadership, calling on Leader-elect S. Shritharan, to take over the reins of the party.

The ITAK in January elected Shritharan as its new Leader through a secret ballot at a party Central Committee meeting held in Trincomalee. However, Shritharan did not assume the leadership role, resulting in Senathirajah continuing as the ITAK Leader since a group of ITAK members challenged the results of the ballot before court.

However, Senathirajah had said that he had urged Shritharan to assume the leadership role on numerous occasions since January but that he had now decided to step down from the post with effect from Monday (7).

Allirajah backs Ranjan

The much-discussed political party being launched by diaspora businessman Allirajah Subaskaran finally made its debut at the Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo last Wednesday (9). The party, named Eksath Prajathanthravadi Handa (United Democratic Voice – UDV,) is led by former SJB MP Ranjan Ramanayake.

The party is to contest under the ‘microphone’ symbol with the main campaign slogan being anti-corruption. Ramanayake’s party will contest from every district except for Matara and Hambantota. Ramanayake is contesting from the Gampaha District while former Sri Lanka cricket captain Tillakaratne Dilshan is contesting from Colombo and former MP Vadivel Suresh from Nuwara Eliya.

However, Subaskaran’s move to make his play in Sri Lanka’s political field has now caught everyone’s attention. Playing the role of puppet master to capture the divided Tamil political sphere after taking control of some print and electronic media outlets has resulted in political analysts focusing on his renewed interest in Sri Lanka.

Subaskaran also attempted to wrest control of Sri Lanka Telecom and Lanka Hospitals during the former Wickremesinghe Government under the State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) reforms programme. However, Wickremesinghe giving him the cold shoulder in these attempts resulted in Subaskaran’s business ventures engaging in litigation in Sri Lanka over the SOE reforms programme.

JVP/NPP support

Meanwhile, there was much talk in political circles over the launch of Ramanayake’s political party with Subaskaran’s backing. One of the key topics that was discussed was the manner in which Ramanayake had his civic rights restored.

Ramanayake’s civic rights were held back despite being granted a partial and conditional Presidential pardon by former President Wickremesinghe. After returning to the country recently, Ramanayake claimed that he would seek the restoration of his civic rights from President AKD and even visited the Presidential Secretariat recently to collect the relevant documents.

The launch of the new political party under Ramanayake’s leadership and his announcement of contesting the Parliamentary Elections is indicative of a quick restoration of civic rights.

Several political sources said that one of the reasons for the JVP/NPP to support Ramanayake at the upcoming polls is the support extended by Subaskaran to the JVP/NPP during the Presidential Election campaign and that there had been a mutual agreement at the time.