Ball now in UNP court

Sunday Observations: The Political Column

It was celebration time in the UNP camp this week as it marked the 60th anniversary while the SLFP commemorated the 55th year in a moderate manner at the BMICH presided over by President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The UNP celebrations moved to its party headquarters at Kotte with a series of programs.

UNP leader, Ranil Wickremesinghe was the master of ceremonies where legends were felicitated with religious ceremonies. The SLFP at the BMICH was full of momentum as President Rajapaksa spelt out his vision for the country and future plans of his party. Coincidentally it was also the moment the gallant forces captured Sampur and the SLFP were jubilant when the President announced it.

The delegates welcomed the President's statement that he would not let the terrorists rule an inch of this land. The response was a loud patriotic applause from all four corners of the BMICH main hall.

UNP leader, Ranil Wickremesinghe too spoke of patriotism of his party when he addressed the delegates at his party headquarters. With patriotism being the theme of both the UNP and the SLFP at their celebrations, the UNP is yet to practically display its patriotism towards the nation.

The President in his letter to the UNP which sought the cooperation of the UNP on the ethnic crisis, clearly defined that the time was up to put the country before party politics. It was on these lines the President sought the support of the UNP. The UNP has always stressed that it was for national co-operation. But, it delays a positive and a quick response whenever its cooperation is sought.

Wickremesinghe put the issue before the Parliamentary Group. The group endorsed the need to support the government at this time of grave crisis. UNPers also expressed satisfaction over the manner the government was combatting terrorism of the LTTE. The President has now urged Wickremesinghe to nominate five persons for a dialogue with the SLFP on the national issue. The UNP is yet to respond.

In the national interest, the UNP should not delay the process by resorting to procedural tactics as it has done before. Since the UNP says it is prepared to assist the government on the national crisis, there is still opportunity for it to enter the committee that was appointed by the President to find avenues for a lasting solution.

The UNP's cooperation at all levels to resolve the national problem should not be limited to mere words. It should be implemented in a practical manner. UNP Deputy General Secretary, Tissa Attanayake said the UNP was willing to help the government and was in no way interested to accept or grab ministerial portfolios.

These statements are good. But they must be practical. The UNP as the major opposition party cannot kill time by saying 'we will support'. Wickremesinghe and his party has repeated that many a time. The support must come in a practical manner.

The two major parties could certainly join to find a solution. Both sides believe in devolving power to the periphery. Jayasuriya addressing the UNP celebrations stressed the need to devolve power as a solution to the ethnic problem. The government has appointed an expert committee to look into such aspects.

Wickremesinghe should give priority to the President's invitation over his proposed reforms to restructure the party. The President has called his attention to the national problem.

As the nation comes first before the party, Wickremesinghe should not further delay his response. The people in the strife torn North and East have begun to return to their homes after the recent success of the military operations.

This is not a victory for any political party. It is a victory for all peace-loving people. The two major political parties should plan to work together to help these people start life again.

The government has made its move towards that direction. The UNP must now respond. Finally, on Friday Wickremesinghe sought a meeting with the President to discuss the invitation to support the government.

This meeting is likely to be held this weekend. Wickremesinghe will be accompanied by his deputy, Karu Jayasuriya. All eyes are focussed on this meeting which will be of national interest.