Ensure a dignified exit to our leader - Dayasiri Jayasekera

by Manjula FERNANDO

UNP Kurunegala District MP Dayasiri Jayasekera says his party must ensure a dignified exit for Ranil Wickremesinghe now that the stage has been set for a new leader to take the reins, in an exclusive interview with the Sunday Observer .

He says the UNP's internal strife has now been resolved and the amendments to the party constitution that will scrap all dictatorial powers of the Leadership will precede a fresh constitution.

He blames both the Government and his party for failed talks on constitutional reforms in the past.

Q: The UNP is in the process of bringing in reforms to the party constitution. Some are hopeful of the process but there are others who doubt if these reform proposals will ever see the light of the day. What is your personal opinion?

A: I have a very positive opinion about the ongoing process. We were able to address almost all the 'troublesome' areas of the party constitution that drove many disheartened members to walk out. We have come out with proposals to correct the existing flaws.

For example, sub article 8:1 of the constitution says the appointment of a new leader shall be made only when the post falls vacant. At the same time the 8:5 and 8:6 sub articles give exclusive rights to the Party leader to appoint the Chairman, General Secretary, Deputy Leader, Treasurer and all other top posts.

And also Article 7 which deals with the appointment of members to the Executive Committee. These were earlier within the exclusive mandate of the UNP leader.

In my opinion such dictatorial powers should not be given even to a 'death donation society', let alone a mainstream political party. I can say with pride that we won the internal battle to end this rule. We are thankful to our Leader and the Executive Committee for entertaining our concerns and proposals.

Now, all we have to do is to make an honest effort to implement these recommendations.

The proposals include holding a secret ballot to elect members to all top posts of the Party including that of Leader, if the Executive Committee fails to reach consensus.

The party leader will be given a free hand to appoint the General Secretary. However, the selection of the Treasurer will be by an advisory board. This Board consisting of the Leader, Deputy Leader, Assistant Leader, General Secretary and the National Organizer will be responsible for appointing organizers and will play a major role in decision making within the party.

There will be a politburo comprising not more than 15 members in which nine MPs representing each province will have a seat.

There will be changes in the composition of the Executive Committee as well. The appointment of a permanent disciplinary board was also discussed since the deterioration of discipline was seen as one of the biggest challenges facing the party today. There is also a proposal to revamp the party constitution.

We have overcome all long standing problems now. It's time to forget, forgive and step up the work to rebuild the party.

Q: There was a huge outcry from within for a change in the leadership?

A: UNP supporters in the village are anticipating such a change. What we have to do is to ensure our Leader a dignified exit. The space has now been created for a new leader to take the reins. This is what exactly the SLFP did in 1994. Chandrika Kumaratunga as new Leader steered the party to victory. We too can do it. For that we must select a people's leader.

Q: Several names have been mentioned as potential candidates for the post of UNP Leader. What traits do you perceive the future Leader should possess?

A: I have to be honest in my comments. I am not trying to take sides but I know there is a popular demand among the party supporters to groom Sajith Premadasa as the next Leader.

I cannot say what traits I want to see in a future leader. I don't think there is a person, here in Sri Lanka or in the world for that matter. I would want him to be the leader.

Q: What is the base MP Sajith Premadasa enjoys within the Party?

A: Everything depends on the people's mandate. Mahinda Rajapaksa is a case in point. He had to be given the Prime Minister post due to his popularity with the people.

This was again the case with Chandrika Kumaratunga. We have to listen to the people's voice.

We have set ourselves free from the old UNP tradition of selecting a Leader. The space has now been created for anyone to go up the ladder.

Q: MP Sajith Premadasa has proposed that the provincial Councillor and PS members should be included in a voting process to elect the Leader?

A: I agree with him that this will be a good 'sample vote'. Nevertheless, I don't think it will be a wise move. The simple reason being quite a number of our PS members are now in the Government camp. It could lead to legal implications and the whole process could drag on for years.

When this proposal came forth, MP Ravi Karunanayake argued that if the PS members were to be included, then the heads of UNP regional bodies should also be given voting rights. Here we are talking about 80,000 members. That is not practical at all.

Therefore, for the time being, we may have to restrict the voting to the UNP Parliamentary Group and the Executive Committee members.

Q: Are you going to bring in a new constitution first?

A: Initially we will bring in amendments and then go for a new constitution. That was the outcome of last week's meeting.

Within the next few weeks we will discuss and try to reach consensus on a new leader.

Q: Does that mean there will be new faces in all offices?

A: I can't say for certain. It will depend on the talks.

Q: When do you hope to finalise the talks?

A: Our original plan was to hold the annual Party convention in the first week of August. After the Executive committee approval of the proposals, our aim was to table them at the Annual Convention. This meant following the same process once again to obtain approval for the new team of leaders appointed under the amended constitution.

Therefore, to speed up the process some of us recommended appointing new leaders after the Executive committee nod to the reform proposals and then hold the annual convention so that both the proposals could be tabled at the convention together. There is greater consensus within the party that this entire process should be completed as soon as possible.

Q: The UNP and the Government are currently engaged in crucial talks on proposed constitutional reforms. We have seen in the past such talks taking place and the UNP suddenly withdrawing at the eleventh hour?

A: We have some understanding of the past talks. There was the Mano-Malik talks, talks with the 17 member UNP dissident group, and talks between the Government and the UNP. With regard to all failed attempts, both parties are to be blamed for trying to push their own private agendas ahead of national interest. The lack of transparency and commitment was instrumental in the collapse of past talks.

If we are not genuine in our intentions and try to 'hoodwink' each other at the talks then this whole exercise would be futile. Bilateral talks will fail again and again and will be a joke in the eyes of the people!

During the executive committee meeting last week I stressed the need to set up the new Elections Commission under the 17th Amendment before we go any further to bring in constitutional reforms and electoral reforms. This, in my view is a fundamental requirement. I think this will also help enhance Opposition's trust in the Government.

Q: The main opposition UNP and the Government agreed to abolish the executive presidency and bring in an executive Prime Minister accountable to Parliament. Are you in consensus with this proposal?

A: This is something we have to discuss. There are a very few countries with executive Prime minister. I think the most suitable Parliamentary system for Sri Lanka is the Westminster model.

We should first decide if we are seriously ready to do away with the Executive Presidency and scrap the dictatorial powers that come along with it. This is what the Mahinda Chinthana policy promised the people.

We want a prime Minister who could be elected by the Parliament and a Prime Minister who is accountable to the House. This will be the best option for Sri Lanka.

I believe President Mahinda Rajapaksa is in tune with the people's wishes and aspirations and he will put national interest before everything else. When you take the examples of South Africa's Nelson Mandela and Malaysia's Mahathir Mohamad...they had executive powers, but gradually their grip and control was eased to let the country flourish.

Q: Does this system which you propose, will allow all past Presidents the chance of being re-elected?

A: Yes I don't perceive any problem for any past president to re-run for the PM's office. In a Westminster system there will be no restrictions on the term of office of the Prime Minister.

Q: Can you say with authority that the UNP is taking part in discussions with an open mind and your party has a strong will to ensure that this time the talks will be conclusive?

A: I believe both parties should vow not to repeat history. These reforms are long overdue. During the 2000 Constitutional reform talks, both parties had the best of interests in mind for a good part of the discussions. Then suddenly Chandrika Kumaratunga deviated from the agenda and planned to extend her term of office, transiting from executive Presidency to premiership. To this the UNP responded badly. Instead of talking it out they opted to burn the new proposals in Parliament.

I can't speak for my party but my personal view is that as the main Opposition, UNP has to play a constructive role and assist the Government in this endeavour. I do not call it 'going shopping on behalf of the Government' [Kaday Yanawa]. If the Government is committed and genuine in its intentions, we should not play the role of a spoilsport or try to pull their leg. Instead we have to look at this from a nationalistic view and help them take the process forward for the country's and its people's well-being.

I have a backbone. I will do whatever I can in the Executive Committee to pursue this opinion.

Q: Have you reached a mutual agreement to deal with party members who cross over?

A: At the moment we have agreed on the cancellation of party membership of the Pradeshiya Sabha members who cross over. This is to be included in the constitution. The talks are still at the initial stage - at this point we are just discussing the amendments to the PS elections. How to deal with Members of Parliament will be discussed later.