‘National govt’ – one of many political options

by Uditha Kumarasinghe

The possible formation of a ‘national government’ is only one of several political options being considered by party leaderships in their planning for parliamentary elections, the Sunday Observer learns.

No discussion has been held by the SLFP to form a ‘national government’, SLFP National Organiser MP Susil Premajayantha told the Sunday Observer .

Nothing was mentioned about a ‘national government’ even at the SLFP Central Committee which met under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena on Thursday. We discussed a document sent to the SLFP signed by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, he told the Sunday Observer .

The Government’s draft paper sent to the SLFP had outlined the composition of the Cabinet to be appointed after the next general election which would consist of 30 Ministers and 40 Deputy Ministers. Forming a ‘national government’ was also one of the proposals in that document. Moreover, it also contained a series of other proposals such as truncating the President’s Executive powers, the proposed 19th Amendment to the Constitution and reforms to the electoral system.

“This is only a discussion paper sent by the Government to the SLFP. But there was no discussion, whatsoever, at the SLFP Central Committee on the issue of a ‘national government’. The SLFP has also appointed a special committee to look into all these aspects and make recommendations within a week,” he said.

Media and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Gayantha Karunatilake said the President and the Prime Minister want to ensure good governance in the country and fulfill the people’s expectations through a ‘national government’.

The aim of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is to resolve the country’s problems with the help of a ‘national government’. That is why he is exploring the possibility of transforming the entire Parliament into a Government. Else if the UNP contests alone, it has the ability to form a Government. Meanwhile, some UPFA coalition partners such as MEP, DLF, NFF and Pivithuru Hela Urumaya

have already expressed their opposition on the ‘national government’ concept. They said the proposed ‘national government’ is a UNP camouflage to consolidate its power in Parliament to carry out their task.

Democratic Left Front Leader MP Vasudeva Nanayakkara told the Sunday Observer that their intention is to further consolidate the UPFA power and defeat the UNP at the next election. Whether there is a ‘national government’ or not, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa would re-enter politics. Anybody can have a National Government, but we won’t be a part of it. The proposed National Government won’t fulfill the people’s aspirations. This is an attempt to make Ranil Wickremesinghe Prime Minister again and elect their own Cabinet. The need of the hour is to mobilise the masses to form a people friendly government not a ‘national government’.

Pivithuru Hela Urumaya Leader and Western Provincial Council Member Udaya Gammanpila told the Sunday Observer that they view this ‘national government’ concept as an “ice bucket challenge” to the Mahinda wave. The ‘national government’ concept would harm the people. The sole purpose of the ‘national government’ is to suppress the Opposition’s criticism of the Government’s shortcomings.

“We oppose this ‘national government’ concept. As pledged in the hundred-day-program, Parliament should be dissolved on April 23. The Government misled the people and rigged their votes. Therefore, the people are waiting to punish the Government on April 23,” Gammanpila said.

NFF Spokesman Mohamed Muzzamil said that the ‘national government’ concept came to light after UNP leaders saw the mammoth crowd at the Nugegoda rally organised by some UPFA coalition partners. The aim of the ‘national government’ concept is to prevent the formation of a SLFP led progressive Government. The UNP through this move is attempting to consolidate its power at the grass roots level. The ‘national government’ concept would lead to the collapse of checks and balances. All those who love their motherland should oppose this, he said.