Leader-all powerful:

UNP reforms will not see the light of day - Hemakumara Nanayakkara

Hemakumara Nanayakkara, a one time firebrand Minister in the UPFA Govt. and younger brother of Vasudeva Nanayakkara, was one politician most sought after by the media for his outspoken nature. Wearing the green satakaya to represent his political views, he was always in the news, either as a back bencher in Parliament or as Minister. As a member of the UNP dissident group who rose against Ranil Wickremesinghe’s dictatorial rule, he crossed over to the Mahinda Rajapaksa Government in January 2007 and held the non-Cabinet portfolio of Agriculture Minister till 2010. As the only other member of the present legislature who holds an Agriculture degree (California State University), the other being Dinesh Gunawardena, he speaks of the UNP crisis and his future plans.

Q: Since your premature retirement from active politics on February 1 you have been very quiet?

A: Not entirely. During the Parliamentary Election, I was involved in election campaign of my brother Vasudeva as well as Chamal, Basil and Namal Rajapaksas. I could not actively involve myself in the rallies due to my health condition but I did contribute with my organisational skills. The President had expressed that he is still keen to make use of my knowledge in agricultural development.

Meanwhile, I have started on my doctoral studies. While I was a Minister I registered for myself to read for my PhD in Organic Agriculture at Peradeniya. I am working tirelessly on it and I am hoping to complete the same in ten months time.

I come from a private business enterprise family. I am a ‘sleeping’ director of a family plantation company. On and off I visit the plantations and the tea factories. I have made use of my free time to visit places and carry out research on agriculture and our ancient valuable objects.

Q: What will be your future role?

A: The President wants to implement some mega agriculture oriented projects in the 25 districts of the country.

These will be similar to the agricultural projects launched in Thailand by the monarchy.

The President wants me to head the Special Unit that will work as an umbrella organisation, coordinating with the district projects.

Q: As a one time UNP MP how do you evaluate the proposed reforms to the party’s constitution?

A: With my experience in the UNP I do not think these reforms will come into play.

If at all they do get implemented, it will be in a distorted, deformed way. And Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe will continue to be the leader as far as I can see.

Q: Why do you say that it will be implemented in a distorted form ?

A: Because it has been happening over and over again, and while we were in the UNP there was a similar uprising and due to our incessant calls Mr. Wickremesinghe promised reforms many a time.

But those reforms never saw the light of the day. Those were mere patchwork to satisfy different individuals.

I remember about 3-4 years ago, about ten to fifteen UNP members had a similar discussion with Mr. Wickremesinghe. Keheliya, Tissa Attanayake, Sajith Premadasa, myself. And many more attended.

Our attempt was not to undermine the leader but to talk to him on much needed reforms to lead the party to victory.

We told him that his personal friends, his relatives and others who have been placed in positions in the party are not politically co

mpetent.

I don’t want to mention names at this point since they are still my friends. We pointed out that we must read the pulse of the people and give the party a new outlook, accordingly.

He never heeded to our appeals but instead he picked couple of people from our dissident group and gave them positions, without any powers, of course!

And I observe this latest attempt as the history being repeated. Again there is a huge outcry from within for a change of leadership. Probably he will appoint a new leader due to extreme pressure but he will position himself as the senior leader with all decisive powers.

And few of his confidantes, political incompetents, but very loyal members to Mr. Wickremesinghe will be given key positions to control the party.

This is what is going to happen as far as I know. I have no anger with Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe.

I respect him, he being a very honest man. But he is not interested in leading the party to victory. His only concern is to be there as the leader of the party, that is all.

Q: But he declared last week that he was ready to step down?

A: He has said that many a time, even during the time when we were with the party. He’s repeating the same old story over and over again. We have heard that before.

Q: What do you think about the proposal to hold a secret ballot to elect the UNP leader?

A: It will never come through. There is no constitutional provision. The UNP constitution which has been designed by J.R. Jayewardene in such a way that power is concentrated in the hands of the leader. Mr. Wickremesinghe got more and more powers into his hands after he became the leader.

He had never wanted to change it. So, as long as he wishes, Mr. Wickremesinghe can and will remain as the leader.

But I don’t say that Mr. Wickremesinghe should leave the party. He could certainly play a different role, say, an independent role. Instead, a dynamic leader should be given his due place in the party.

I do not think UNP can come to power in the near future and must be effective in its role as the main Opposition.

Q: Do you support the call to appoint a young member as the party’s new leader?

A: I would refrain from mentioning names. If that is the wish of the Executive Committee and the members of the Party, then I think that should be done. I don’t want to mention any names because there are many aspirants and they all happen to be my good friends.

Q: Reflecting on your past active political life, are you contented with what you had achieved?

A: I am very happy, when I look back at my political career, but of course I was unable to enjoy my personal freedom.

I am enjoying that freedom now. But it does not mean that I will be hibernating in the years to come. I will work hard to develop my motherland.

Q: Will we see you in Parliament again?

A: Let’s leave that to my fate. I do not know. Some people have already started canvassing for me. There is a long way for the next election. So let us wait and see.