Di-Mu trudged a mighty trek

by Uditha Kumarasinghe

Former Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne

'Dimu' trudged from Gampola to the national legislature and concluded his decades-old political legacy culminating in being Prime Minister. He is the oldest living member of the SLFP and was the 13th member to join the party when it was initiated.

Suave in appearance but vibrant and defiant at times, his voice resonated the legislature many a time in the past. Retired from active politics, this humble parliamentarian could now be seen in his sarong and banian at his Doluwa, Gampola residence with a truly, rural peasant's humanity, simplicity and flowing smile. Former Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne in an interview with the Sunday Observer said splits were common in politics. SLFPers willing to remain with the Opposition could continue to do so, while the others should have the liberty to join the UNP-led Yahapalana government.

Excerpts...

Q: Could you narrate what led to the founding of the SLFP and its impact on the socio-political landscape?

A: The late Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike closely interacted with the people in his political activities. As a UNP heavyweight, when he toured countrywide, bhikkhus, teachers and ayurvedic physicians appealed to him to preserve our indigenous culture, religion and moral values which existed for over 2,500 years. Premier Bandaranaike endorsed the views expressed by the people. Later, in a special statement made in Parliament he said that he would quit the UNP and form a separate political party to safeguard indigenous culture. He contested the 1952 election backed by three segments, bhikkhus, teachers and ayurvedic physicians. Although they secured only 12 seats in Parliament, they had the support of the rural masses and later the farmers and workers also joined their bandwagon which was popularly known as the Pancha Maha Balawegaya.

The decision to form the SLFP was taken on September 2, 1951 by S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike and several other party veterans. They held religious observances at the Sri Dalada Maligawa at the auspicious time on the day. I learnt from the newspapers that Bandaranaike was coming for a meeting at Mr. Godamunne's residence at Halloluwa and I also went to the meeting. I was fortunate to join the SLFP as its 13th member at that meeting next to Badiuddeen Mohamed who joined as the 12th member. Subsequently the SLFP's maiden rally was in Colombo attended by a mammoth crowed.

Q: The SLFP was formed with a breakaway section of the UNP and certain new elements representing different sections of society. What were these new interest groups?

A: When the SLFP was formed, 11 prominent politicians were with S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike including Badiuddeen Mahmud, T.B. Illangaratne and T.B. Tennakoon. A leading ayurevedic physician Pandit Wickramaarachchi of Gampaha, Panabokke, R.S.S.Gunawardena and M.W.H.D. de Silva were the pioneers who helped set up the SLFP.

Q: As of today, can you say how much of the original objectives have been achieved by the party?

A: Until his assassination in 1959, the late Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike fulfilled a number of principle objectives of the SLFP including the nationalisation of the bus and port services and the British bases in Katunayake and Trincomalee.

Later, 554,000 acres of land owned by British companies were taken over by the Sirimavo Bandaranaike government. After President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga assumed office, lands were given over to the needy and a program was formulated to provide state sector employment to youth.

Q: What do you think should be the SLFP's priority today?

A: At present the country's economy is in ruins. The SLFP's topmost priority should be to develop the economy. There is an urgent need for a systematic program to develop the economy. Priority should also be given to the cultural aspect of each religion, while democracy should be restored.

Q: Do you fear an imminent split in the SLFP as a result of the activities of the SLFP faction in the Joint Opposition or are you hopeful that party unity can be maintained?

A: After S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike formed the SLFP, he was killed by some of his own party men. Since the inception of the SLFP, there were signs of a split in the party. At the beginning C.P. de Silva and Dahanayake quit the party.

Their attempt to form a new party did not not succeed and they later returned to the party. After Sirimavo Bandaranaike came to power, a group of party seniors Maithripala Senanayake, Prof. Vishwa Warnapala and Stanley Thilakaratne attempted to create a rift within the party initiating legal action against her. However, the court ordered them to produce required documents to prove their case. I broke the back door of SLFP office and hid all the documents in some other room, so that the case could not be proceed due to lack of evidence. I called the partymen to Horagolla and proposed Sirimavo Bandaranaike's name for party chairmanship.

During the party leadership of Sirimavo Bandaranaike, Chandrika and Anura quit the SLFP. During President J.R. Jayewardene's tenure, Anura Bandaranaike crossed over to the UNP and he was elected as UNP organiser for Kalawewa.

Sixteen party seniors including me worked with Sirimavo Bandaranaike. As the General Secretary of then People's Alliance, I took back former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga to the party and fielded her as the Chief Ministerial candidate for the Western Provincial Council election.

Q: Are you supportive of the National Government concept or should the SLFP strive to form a government on its own at the next election?

A: At the SLFP group meeting I said those who want to join the UNP-led Yahapalana government should have the freedom to do so, while the other SLFPers willing to remain with the Opposition should continue. Similar situations emerged in the past as well. However, the incumbent government should be allowed to run the country.

Q: The SLFP's reputation at one time was that it was a family- led party. Do you think the party has now gone beyond family politics?

A: Family politics can be seen in the whole of Asia including India, Pakistan and some other Asian countries. In England and Japan, there is a royal dynasty while it is Parliament that runs the country. It is up to the people to decide whether they should elect members of a particular family or not. We can't oppose any decision the public takes.

Q: Can you name some personalities who you think were the best leaders in your party in its history?

A: All four SLFP leaders S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, Sirimavo Bandaranaike, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and Mahinda Rajapaksa tried their best to take the party forward.