Ravi Karunanayake to save UNP from reformists' mafia

By Jaliya WIJEKOON

The United National Party (UNP) with its glorious history has rendered an immeasurable service to the nation totalling over 31 years under a number of leaders since formation in 1946. However, during the past one and a half decades its performance at elections has been poor, showing a gradual deterioration of its vote base.

Ranil Wickremesinghe became leader of the Opposition and leader of the party in 1994 and since then the situation in the UNP has been pathetic. However, under his stewardship, the UNP won the 2001 general election which it couldn't consolidate and continue due to the shortsighted policies of the leader. The controversial Peace Accord he signed with Prabhakaran without the knowledge of his cabinet colleagues but with the blessings of some foreign powers also contributed to his unpopularity and that of the party to a great extent.

The results of all subsequent elections revealed that the popularity of the UNP steadily declined not only in rural agricultural areas but also in the cities and suburbs. Certain districts which were the main UNP strongholds were won by the UPFA at the last general election.

Ranil's leadership was challenged by party stalwarts claiming that he was mainly responsible for the downfall of the party. The successive defeats resulted in a large number of party members joining the government saying that the UNP will never comeback to power as long as Ranil remains its leader.

The defeat at the last general election caused innumerable problems to the leadership as some of the able lieutenants who defended Ranil on previous occasions did not win their seats.

After a whole heap of arguments, barrage of verbal attacks and counter attacks a national convention was held to make amendments to the constitution in order to make the party mechanism more democratic and people friendly. New clauses were added and some were repealed fully endorsed by the membership. It was decided to elect new office bearers after the local government elections.

Soon after the local polls the apex body of the party and the sitting Parliamentarians met and elected Ranil Wickremesinghe as leader and Sajith Premadasa who vyed for the leadership willingly accepted the Co-Deputy Leader post.

The tussle ended with that and a few weeks later they met again and appointed Colombo district senior Parliamentarian Ravi Karunanayake as National Organiser, the position which carries a huge responsibility in all affairs of the party.

The Sunday Observer had an exclusive interview with Ravi Karunanayake and excerpts are given below.

Q: You have been appointed as National Organiser UNP recently which wields a tremendous quantum of power and responsibility. What are your plans to resurrect the party?

A: My objective in accepting this responsible position is to turn the Opposition to the ruling party of this country for which I have already formulated some short-term and long-term plans. I will strive to re-establish inter-party unity which is an integral part in practical party politics. It doesn't mean that we have fractions or frictions in the party. We are a united party. Of course there are some differences of opinion among everyone of us on certain matters. It doesn't mean that we are divided or disintegrated. It is a common thing in any party or any other organisation. Finally, we arrive at collective decisions.

Q: It is the general belief that villagers are the real kingmakers in the country. As a colombo based politician don't you think that it is a herculean task for you to identify yourself with the rural masses in your capacity as national organiser?

A: Our former leaders like D.S. Senanayake, Dudley Senanayake, J.R. Jayewardene and Ranasinghe Premadasa all lived in Colombo but they managed to mobilise the rural masses. Though I represent the Colombo district, I can go round the country and do the organisational activities with the rural masses. Whether you live in Colombo or in a rural area it makes no difference as long as you feel the pulse of the masses and draw up plans to address their grievances of the down trodden people of the country.

Q: Although the leadership tussle came to a halt, it is brewing up again with some elements making different statements. Recently there was a meeting convened by Rukman Senanayake, Imthiaz Bakeer Markar and others where almost all reformist group members attended. How do you look at these development?

A: As I told you earlier everybody is entitled to his or her own personal view on different political matters. This has happened in our party even in the past. These differences will not split or erode the party. You wait and see. Our party will march forward to victory at a future election with this strong combination.

Q: The UNP was a powerful party and never remained in the Opposition more than one term prior to 1994. But since then performance of the party at the successive elections has been very poor. Why?

A: There are a lot of things that we have to put right in order to have a free and fair election.

As you know a lot of institutions have become extremely politicised. We are now making all efforts to persuade the Government to re-establish all independent commissions.

Q: Over 60 Parliamentarians have left the party during the last few years and joined the Government with most saying they left due to Ranil's dictatorial attitude. Your comments?

A: I am sorry, I don't know about the allegations they make.

But one thing is quite evident. More than policies or principles, some have joined the Government for personal benefits and to enjoy the perks.

Q: Militarily crushing the LTTE was the biggest achievement of the Mahinda Rajapaksa regime for which people are grateful. Do you still justify the stand taken by the UNP solve the LTTE problem?

A: We were genuinely interested in solving the LTTE menace with least destruction of public and private properties and with minimum loss of lives. Our strategy also worked to some extent and the LTTE military wing also became weaker.

It is admitted by everybody that Karuna Amman broke away from the movement with the Ceasefire Agreement signed by Ranil Wickremesinghe.

You can't expect a prolonged military movement to completely embrace democratic mainstream overnight. It's a long process through negotiations.

Q: What is the UNP's stand in respect of the Dharusman Report?

A: We have very clearly stated our stand on this all important issue unlike some shortsighted and narrow minded politicians who do not have an iota of knowledge in international norms and affairs and accuse the panellists and UNSG and make matters worse.