Will reforms help UNP restore its lost glory?

By Jaliya WIJEYAKOON

It has been a bone of contention among the UNP membership that vital structural changes be effected in the party constitution to achieve victory at a future election. The United National Party, which was formed way back in 1946 under the able leadership of D.S. Senanayake, had governed this country under six different leaders since independence under a number of terms totalling over 31 years.

The United National Party constitution was drafted at the beginning with some amendments being made by some leaders during their tenure of office. The party leader had the overall authority on all matters with the concurrence of its executive committee members who are mainly nominated by the leader.

Rigid constitution

However, due to various reasons, it has become the general belief among the membership that the UNP constitution is very rigid and lacks democratic features.

Reforms in the party mechanism had been taken up as the main issue by the UNP after every election defeat over the past years. But no constructive or effective measures have been initiated by the policy-making body of the party and the same old rigid and obsolete system had prevailed until very recently.

After the humiliating defeat suffered by the party at the last Presidential election and the subsequent general election, the leadership of the party has been openly challenged by some of the party stalwarts. Some of them are of the strong belief that the present leadership is fully responsible for the successive defeats suffered by the party. There is mounting pressure from a section of the party membership for radical changes in the party structure and mechanism to be democratic and flexible.

Committee appointed

It had been observed since the last election that agitations against the party hierarchy were aggravating. Finally, the party appointed a committee headed by Gampaha district Parliamentarian Joseph Michael Perera to look into reforms and to accept whatever suggestions, proposals and views emanating from different quarters of the party membership.

The UNP Headquarters was as busy as a beehive on July 19 the day on which the reforms proposals were formally accepted and handed over to the leadership. They will be scrutinised and ratified by the Executive Committee of the party soon.

The Sunday Observer contacted some of the UNP front-runners to obtain their views on the proposed reforms and developments that would be taking place in the party with the implementation of the proposals.

Dr. Jayalath Jayawardene, a senior member of the party who had held different positions said:

"I have contributed to the development of the party from the day I became a Member of Parliament. I have worked in various capacities in the party and defended the party and its leader on all issues in the past and will continue to do so in future. I am extremely contented with the acceptance of the reform proposals by the leadership because they will enhance the democratic features of our party and will pave the way for the membership of the party to choose their leaders.

"The initial agreement is to elect the leader, deputy leader, general secretary, assistant leader and national organiser with the consensus of all sitting Parliamentarians of the party and the Executive members of the working committee. In the event of an election being held for any of the above positions, a vote will be taken to select the most popular candidate.

"However, there are different opinions aired by some members that voting rights should be extended to Provincial Councillors and Members of Local Government bodies too. Some members are of the view that voting rights should also be extended to key members of central committees or Balamandalayas of each electorate.

"Whatever the final outcome may be, it is the general belief that we have already achieved a historic victory in reorganising the party to face any election in the future with confidence and a positive mindset."

Colombo District Parliamentarian Ravi Karunanayake is a senior member of the UNP who has faced numerous problems including law suites on behalf of the party. He has consolidated his position in the Colombo district, coming to second Ranil Wickremesinghe at the last election in which the party lost badly.

He said: "these reforms will definitely benefit in the reorganising process of the party since a substantial percentage of the membership wanted some drastic changes in the party mechanism. When there is constant agitation from a section of any party towards its leadership, it is always better to listen to them and effect the expected changes without jeopardising the party further.

At the same time, it should be stated that reforms alone will not pave the way for an easy victory at a future election. The entire membership with all relevant sections of the party should discharge their responsibilities effectively and honestly to achieve some positive results at a future election."

Dayasiri Jayasekera, Kurunegala District MP, was a vociferous speaker campaigning for party reforms during the last few months especially after the last general election which the UNP lost badly. The MP however was successful in retaining his seat with a huge number of preferential votes.

He said: "We have been calling for structural changes in the party from some times, not for any personal gain, but to bring back the party to power since we have a bounden duty to look after our party supporters who have been deprived of employment and other welfare facilities for a long time. It has been observed that the party's popularity has been declining gradually at every successive election and a substantial percentage of the party membership is of the opinion that there should be a change in the leadership and all other top posts in the party. So, when these proposed reforms are implemented, there can be a change in the party hierarchy. I am quite positive that Sajith Premadasa who has mass support from all corners of the country will be able to guide the party to victory at a future election."

Thalatha Athukorala, Ratapura District MP, as the most senior member in the Ratnapura district and the leader of the Women's Wing of the United National Party.

He said: "Sajith Premadasa has proposed the amendment of Section 8.1 of the UNP constitution which I also agree on principle. Once these reforms are effected, a new lease of life will be given to the party and I am quite positive that we would be able to guide the party towards a future victory of all organisers in the electorates mobilise the party supporters aggressively. First, and foremost, party unity should be strengthened from top to bottom. Area organisers should reach the grass roots, level and try to win the hearts of the people well before venturing into the next election campaign.

Badulla District MP Lakshman Seneviratne has openly accused the leadership for the debacle in the United National Party. He said: "What I expressed openly is not only my personal opinion. It is the common belief of the majority of the party supporters all over the island. We have faced a number of elections under the present leadership without success.

So it is time we go for a new leadership with dynamism and charisma who would be able to garner the support of the majority. Otherwise, we will be in the Opposition forever and nearly five million of our party supporters will be left in the lurch.

Bright future

It is quite appropriate to democratise the party mechanism and make amendments where necessary to attract public support. At the same time the party leader and all other vociferous and prominent deputy leaders should not forget the fact that it is not very easy for them to return to power unless and until a viable, attractive practical and comprehensive alternate program is presented before the public which can convince them of a bright future.