Request to obtain UNP membership:

Ranil tells teenager - send SMSs to your friends

Leader of the Opposition, Ranil Wickremesinghe tightened his grip on the UNP by keeping his Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa in suspense as the party's Working Committee did not appoint anyone for the post.

Last Monday's UNP Working Committee meeting was a nightmare for Sajith, who once challenged the party leader and claimed that he would soon take over the party leadership. Only a couple of Reformists Group members, including parliamentarian Palitha Range Bandara and Southern Provincial Council member Maithri Gunaratne still maintain that stance while senior parliamentarians Karu Jayasuriya and Dayasiri Jayasekera keep mum at a time Sajith is in trouble.

It seems that none of those party heavyweights, who kept Sajith in a fantasy world, giving him premature hopes of gaining party leadership, are now there as the son of former President even lost the place he earlier had in the party.

It was said that Sajith must face a disciplinary hearing and clear his name, if he is to retain the post of Deputy Leader.

As stated in this column last week, only the posts of National Organiser and Assistant Leader were filled while the Working Committee decided to delay naming a deputy leader. It was said that Sajith was not allowed to attend the meeting but he later claimed that he would remain with the party. "I don't need any positions. I will continue to protect and foster the party even if I don't get any post," he was quoted as saying. But days later, he dropped a bombshell by claiming that those who have been found inefficient and unsuccessful as leaders must step down.

Speaking at a UNP gathering at Nikaweratiya, Sajith Premadasa said that if there are people who hold positions but are unable or unwilling to fulfill the tasks that are entrusted to them by the people, they should step down from those positions.

"The people elect us as their representatives not to indulge in a comfortable lifestyle with positions and privileges forgetting about the people who elect us. or just to cling on to an upper-class and satisfy a handful of the privileged class.

But to fulfill the tasks of the position we hold for the betterment of the common man in the country. My personal opinion is that if there are people who cannot do that, they should immediately resign," he said.

He pledged to take forward the work done by his father in the very same manner the late President served the masses. "I have always represented the reality. I will not represent fake shows and the privileged class. Therefore, under whatever circumstances I will go forward with commitment and self confidence," he said.

But it appears that it will be Sajith who has to step down and not Ranil, who has lost over 25 successive elections with his shaky leadership.

UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake neither recommended nor rejected Sajith for the post of Deputy Leader when he said Sajith is not an unqualified person for the post of Deputy Leader. Does that mean Sajith is qualified? It won't be a surprise if Tissa contradicts his leader as he did on the impeachment of Shirani Bandaranayake.

However, media reports said that Attanayake had granted permission to Sajith to take away his belongings from the Deputy Leader's office at the party headquarters, Sirikotha. Attanayake had instructed the administrative staff of Sirikotha not to obstruct if Sajith comes to remove his personal belongings from the Deputy Leader's room.

Perhaps, that would sound like the end of an innings for overambitious Sajith who appeared to be looking for shortcuts to become the party leader. Some Working Committee members said that Sajith appeared to be claiming the party leadership on the basis of being the son of former leader and ex-President R. Premadasa.

"UNP is not anybody's personal property and it belongs to UNP supporters. Sajith must keep his cool until he gets a break and all those who have become UNP leaders have done so with patience, not through short cuts and challenging the existing leadership," a Working Committee member said.

Ranil's proposal disappoints Mangala

As expected Daya Gamage, UNP's lavish funding source from Ampara, retained his place as the National Organiser, a post once coveted by parliamentarian Dayasiri Jayasekera when the Reformists appeared to be strong. But when party members realised that Ranil was in total control despite his weaknesses, Sajith's supporters and all those who told him fairytales deserted the Deputy Leader.

Apart from Sajith, the other most disappointed UNP senior was parliamentarian Mangala Samaraweera, who has been ardent supporter and confidant of Ranil ever since he crossed over to the UNP. But Mangala's dreams were shattered and it was clearly evident by his facial expressions when Daya Gamage was proposed for the post of National Organiser by none other than the party leader himself. That was a post which Mangala had been dreaming of ever since he parachuted into the UNP.

The appointment of Joseph Michael Perera, UNP's former Speaker, is an indication that Ranil would play his senior cards in the pack to tame Sajith. However, the post of Deputy Leader is expected to be filled at the next Working Committee meeting. But the chances of Sajith retaining it looks slim as Ranil may opt for a secure and ageing candidate who would not challenge the party leader.

Party sources said two options are being considered. Though Attanayake claimed that the post of Deputy Leader would not be abolished, there is a move to introduce three Vice Presidents to the party constitution, representing the Western, Central and Southern regions. In case Sajith is shown the door on disciplinary grounds, UNP stalwarts John Amaratunga and Gamini Jayawickrema Perera are the front runners for the vacancy. If this materialises, it will help Ranil to undermine Sajith's deputy leadership by having two other deputy leaders with equal powers.

Ranil is better known for his daydreams and promising youth bracelets during election time. He played similar role while addressing a regional rally at Ekiriwatte in the Dodamgaslanda electorate last week. Addressing a youth of around 18-20 as malli, Ranil asked him how many members he has introduced to the party.

Shocked by the unexpected question from none other than the party leader, the youth promptly replied that he had not introduced a single new member to the party.

"Please malli, people like you could help us to strengthen the party. Send some SMSs to your friends, requesting them to join the UNP," Ranil told the youth in a new strategy to boost the fast eroding vote base of the UNP.

Sajith surrenders

Sajith had a crucial meeting with the UNP leader at Sirikotha on Thursday. Ranil was well prepared for the face-to-face meeting with Sajith, their first in over a year.

The UNP leader took measures to isolate Sajith at the meeting by inviting his General Secretary Tissa Attanayake, Assistant Leader Joseph Michael Perera, Party Chairman Gamini Jayawickrema Perera, Treasurer Senerath Kapukotuwa, National Organiser Daya Gamage and the Chief Opposition Whip John Amaratunge.

Ranil told Sajith that he should give up personal agendas and work for the betterment of the UNP. A helpless Sajith was reported to be in defensive mode during the 45-minute discussion with the party seniors and agreed to conduct himself in keeping with the UNP Constitution and follow the party's stance.

It was reported that Sajith was severely reprimanded for his recent conduct and that he will have to face severe consequences if he conducts himself in a similar manner in future.

Though Sajith has unconditionally agreed to respect the party leadership and conduct himself in keeping with the party's stance on all matters, Ranil has not given any assurance on re-appointing Sajith as the Deputy Leader of the UNP. Sajith will have to face another meeting with party seniors, sans Ranil, tomorrow. It will be after this meeting that Ranil would decide on Sajith's fate on the recommendations of the UNP seniors.

However, prior to last week's crucial UNP Working Committee meeting, a television channel, notorious for a continuous malicious and defamatory campaign against Ranil, made an extra effort to boost the image of Sajith. They even went to the extent of injecting an artificial popularity to Sajith and his confidants.

A furious UNP Working Committee passed a resolution, condemning the disgraceful act which violated all accepted media ethics and asked the TV channel not to create a rift among party seniors who are not aspiring for positions.

But the station hit back at the UNP by repeatedly telecasting the resolution passed at the UNP Working Committee, followed by their own campaign to discredit Ranil and his leadership.

They even went to the extent of conducting an SMS poll after which parliamentarians Rosy Senanayake and Buddhika Pathirana openly contradicted the resolution while claiming that they are ready for responsible positions in the UNP.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Elections Mahinda Deshapriya last week released the list of accepted political parties in the country.

The notable omission from the list was the UNP Reformists Front, which has a gate as its symbol.

The UNP Reformists Front has lost its registration as a political party as it had been inactive without submitting the necessary documents to the Commissioner of Elections.

President congratulates Obama

President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a congratulatory message to US President Barack Obama on the commencement of his second term as the American leader after re-election, said relations between the two countries will continue to flourish and expand into new vistas of cooperation under the Obama administration.

"I am confident that under your stewardship, relations between our two countries will continue to further flourish and expand into new vistas of cooperation," the President said in his message. The President said Obama's leadership and experience will continue to steer the United States into a period of enhanced growth and prosperity.

"The overwhelming support you received from the people of the United States manifests the trust and confidence placed in you." President Rajapaksa's message stated.

"During your first term of office, you were able to guide your country successfully through a period of global economic turbulence, and courageously push ahead with policy reforms that helped improve the economic conditions of the vulnerable segments in society," he said. Sri Lanka and the United States enjoy a traditionally robust partnership in political, economic, social and cultural spheres. The President expressed confidence that relations between the two countries will continue to further flourish and expand into new vistas of cooperation during President Obama's second term in office.

GL meets Manmohan

A high-powered Sri Lanka delegation, led by Minister of External Affairs, Prof. G.L. Peiris visited India last week. During discussions between the two countries, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had assured India's cooperation in all sectors on a priority basis.

Prof. Peiris who was in New Delhi in connection with the 8th session of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission called on the Indian Prime Minister and conveyed the greetings of President Rajapaksa.

The Indian Prime Minister requested Minister Peiris to convey his warm personal regards to the President and assured Minister Peiris that India's cooperation with Sri Lanka in all sectors is accorded highest priority.

Welcoming Minister Peiris to India, Prime Minister Singh expressed satisfaction at the very productive Joint Commission session between the two countries and stressed the importance of meetings of this nature in strengthening the bilateral partnership between India and Sri Lanka in all sectors including economic, trade and security.

The Prime Minister commended several initiatives and projects by all stakeholders to increase bilateral trade and investment and people-to-people contact. Secretary to the Ministry of External Affairs Karunatillake Amunugama and High Commissioner Prasad Kariyawasam were associated with Minister Peiris at the meeting while National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon, Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai and High Commissioner Ashok Kantha were associated with Prime Minister Singh at the meeting.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will initiate a dialogue with the Indian Government to resolve once and for all the issues connected to illegal fishing and trespassing into each other's territorial waters by fishermen of both countries.

President Rajapaksa last week told the General Fisheries Federation (GFF), which represents all fisheries organisations in the country, that the government was determined to make the fisheries sector one of major arms of the economy with the maximum possible assistance to fishermen by the government.

"It is heartening to see that a large number of fishermen have come from the North and East.

They were the most affected by separatist terrorism. The fisher families inherited an extremely cruel living as many of their members were forcibly recruited by the Tigers and subsequently killed.

As a result the fishing industry in the North and the East suffered a heavy blow with their production drastically reduced.

But today they have the opportunity of going out fishing without fear or restrictions and they get plenty of government assistance," the President said.

Independence Day preparations in full swing

Most of the Ministers and parliamentarians, along with their Ministry officials, are making constant visits to the East as preparations for next month's Independence Day celebrations in Trincomalee are in full swing. Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya is having an extremely busy schedule, overseeing the preparations for the Deyata Kirula mega exhibition rescheduled for March.

All arrangements are in place to hold the 65th Independence Day celebrations themed 'A Glorious Motherland - A Flourishing Tomorrow' (Asirimath Mawubimak - Isurumath Heta Dinak) at Fort Frederick, Trincomalee on February 4, under the patronage of the President.

Over 2,500 invitees including members of the diplomatic corps and foreign embassies will attend the event. Officers of the three Forces including 55 disabled soldiers will also participate. Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister W D J Seneviratne said over 3,000 personnel representing the three Armed Forces, Police, Civil Security Department, National Cadet Corps and National Youth Corps will take part in the National Day parade followed by a cultural pageant comprising 860 artistes belonging to 16 cultural troupes.

The cultural pageant will be organised by the Culture and the Arts Ministry with the assistance of the Education Ministry and the Eastern Provincial Council. The minister invited all residents in Trincomalee to attend the Independence Day celebrations. A crowd of over 100,000 is expected. Minister Seneviratne said all facilities for the public have been arranged at Fort Frederick.

A large number of clergy representing all religions have been invited to participate in the 65th Independence Day celebrations.

The Buddhist religious program will be held at Wilgamwehera Raja Maha Viharaya in Trincomalee and Hindu religious observances will be conducted at Thirukoneshwaram Shiva Kovil. Muslim religious observances will be conducted at Mohideen Andervour Jumma Mosque, Trincomalee and the Roman Catholic service will be held at the Cathedral of St Mary's, Trincomalee.

Lakshamn drops a 'book bombshell'

Most book launches turn out to be uninteresting events with hardly any guests and uninteresting speeches.

But it was a different story when Lakshman Hulugalle, head of the Media Centre for National Security, launched his autobiography at The Kingsbury on Tuesday.

There was a packed house under the patronage of Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa. Compere Jackson Anthony said at the very outset that the ceremony would last only for one hour.

During this one-hour several political secrets during Premadasa and Chandrika administrations were disclosed. There were several indictments of the dark era of a former President.

"Then President Chandrika Kumaratunge sent Beddegana Sanjeeva to our residence to take my appacchi to Temple Trees when the entire Channel 9 controversy was ongoing, and fortunately he did not go.

If he went, he probably would not have returned alive that day", his daughter Sachini Hullugalle said, delivering the vote of thanks.

She also recalled how they were a family under siege, as her father Hulugalle was attacked relentlessly in the state media.

Hullugalle himself said that the state media was used during the Kumaratunge regime to attack him baselessly over the so-called Channel 9 issue - once from 7 pm to 3 am in the morning on state television.

Other speakers also recalled the influences brought to bear during the Kumaratunge regime on newspapers for instance, to attack Hullugalle on the Channel 9 deal.

A string of names from a dark and forbidding aspect of a bygone era was recalled - and among the incidents mentioned were the arson incident on film star Anoja Weerasinghe's house, and the intimidation that took place by taking a barber's knife to musician Rukantha Gunatilleke's house.

ANCL Chairman and veteran media personality, Bandula Padmakumara who also spoke on invitation, called for greater accountability of that era - and for those who offended and intimidated in this fashion to be finally brought to book. Padmakumara said both he and Hulugalle had been unfortunate victims of that era.

He recalled how a former Presidential media advisor Sanath Goonetillake prevailed upon the media at that time on the Channel 9 story, and played a key role in intimidating the media and others.

As the founder editor of the Lakbima newspaper Padmakumara said he never succumbed to the pressure.

The most moving testimony however was by Sachini who recalled the intimidating tactics of the then regime, and reiterated on several occasions how her father 'managed to save his life from these dark forces.'

The book Lakshman among other things is mostly a narration of his side of the story on Channel 9 - which is a vindication against all attacks launched against him in that era.