UNP crisis unresolved

by Jaliya Wijeyekoon

The United Bhikkhu Front headed by Ven. Girambe Ananda Thera pledged recently to help the party resolve its long drawn out crisis with extensive discussions with its incumbent leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, Karu Jayasuriya, Sajith Premadasa and a number of party stalwarts.

As an initial step, the Bhikkhu Front suggested a leadership council for the party at a meeting with Ranil Wickremesinghe and he virtually agreed. Ranil, Karu and Sajith met last week to discuss matters amicably and arrive at a viable solution to retrieve the party’s lost glory.

However, this crucial meeting too ended with no permanent solution to the vexed problem and a further meeting will be held next week.

As there was severe criticism from certain quarters in the party against top office-bearers and Executive Committee members, its chairman senior parliamentarian Gamini Jayawickrema Perera has already stepped down from the chairman’s post and agreed to render unstinted support to the successor whoever it may be.

National Organiser of the UNP Daya Gamage has also opted to quit the post immediately if there is a better replacement but, he still continues as there are no takers.

The inner-circle of the party and the grassroots level membership too are waiting anxiously for the final outcome of the Bhikkhu Front’s attempt to salvage the party.