Mixed feelings on political crossovers

A cross-section of people expressed thei views to the Sunday Observer on the much speculated crossovers by the opposition parliamentarians.

Marketing Executive Lakmali Wanigasooriya was full of praise for UNP MPs who plan to join the Government benches and thus strengthen the hands of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, since the MOU signed by the UNP and the SLFP appears to have had not shown fruitful results.

"I hope this group would fulfil this obligation" she said.

Thirty five year old school teacher Kamalika Senadeera of the Central College Godagama was of the view that the Parliament does need a strong Opposition, but, if some UNP MPs were going to desert the party, it would definitely weaken the Opposition benches.

"Then, there will be no strong opposition even to critically analyses the proposals brought up very often" she said.

A retired Health Department Executive Sarath Abewickrema welcomed the decision of UNP MPs who wish to join the Government, to strengthen the hands of President.

"However I appeal to the President to abolish the Presidential system once he gets the required two thirds majority.

He also said not a single President in the past wanted to abolish the system as long as he or she was in power and therefore I appeal to President Rajapaksa to act on it.

Malani Samaranayake of Homagama said "Although I welcome the decision taken by several UNP MPs, I foresee a different situation in Parliament.

"When Ministry portfolios are offered to the new comers who will take it and then they might push out the ardent SLFP supporters who are holding high positions in the Government and semi Government establishments and replace them with their supporters," she said.

Yohan Gunathilaka, a Graphic Designer quoted a certain UNP MP who had told him that they would join the Government as they fear that the UNP would never be able to form a Government, unless changes are effected within the party.

"Ranil is a good leader and has lot of potential, but does not move with the ordinary man like Mahinda and therefore it is difficult for him to win an election," he said.

Waruni Matharaarachchi of Hanwella who was not happy with the decision taken by UNP MPs, which might pave the way for the JVP to take over the Opposition.

A 16 year old school girl from Moratuwa, Kasuni Ediriweera expressed her doubts as to how these UNP MPs who will be crossing over shortly will help in developing the country or to bring about a viable solution to the national crisis.

"Their motive is to look after themselves to fulfil their own obligations like higher salaries with perks like luxury bungalows in Colombo, overseas trips etc," she pointed out.

A housewife Samantha Wimalaweera of Avissawella said that she was really `bowled over' when she listened to a remark by a UNP MP who was interviewed by the BBC recently that his primary intention was to help his supporters.

"This statement indicates that they are neither interested in creating a stable economy, nor to bring down the high cost of living,"

A Tamil film producer Anton Subramaniam of Godagama said "I welcome the decision taken by several UNP MPs to join the Government and I feel this will also in a way help President Mahinda Rajapaksa to abolish the Presidential system of governance even after his term of office expires in another six years."

An employee of a mercantile bank in Kottawa, Prasad Hewawasam found it very funny to hear of the crossing over of such a large number of Opposition MPs.

A medical practitioner, attached to the Homagama General Hospital Dr.Ruwan Kotadeniya felt said the best thing President Rajapaksa could have done or would do to stop the UNPers joining the Government ranks keeping in mind a the MOU, which was signed between him and Ranil Wickremesinghe is to bring a lasting solution to the crisis.

"I think if UNP MPs join the Government, the UNP leadership will tear the MOU which has been recognised and appreciated by the international community,"

A bank executive Kesara Munasinghe from Pannipitiya said "I would like to request the President not to take in any UNP MPs other than those of the calibre of MPs like Keheliya Rambukwella and Mahinda Samarasinghe who had joined earlier,".

Asanka Navarathne of Kiriwathhuduwa said that the President was willing to give portfolios for new UNP arrivals since he has been made to believe that the Government will collapse if the JVP does not extend their support.

Twenty three year old undergraduate Prasanna Hewamannage said "If UNP MPs join in the Government will become strong. But what is the use? The Government will have to spend millions in addition to provide facilities for them which will ultimately affect the country's economy in the future."

"As a result, the cost of living will sky rocket and the poor will suffer. Therefore I appeal to the President not to take in any more UNP MPs since it will turn out to be worse than the present war in the North-East."

"To be frank, their motive is to get their salaries increased, to go on foreign trips with their families and also to get various other perks," he said.

A beautician from Kaluaggala, Lankika Perera said "Granting additional Ministerial portfolios means there will be increase in new taxes and people will have to suffer."

Charaka Liyanage of Maharagama said that the Government will be faced with more problems when the new UNP MPs were given Ministerial portfolios and eventually the President will have to dissolve the Government and hold fresh elections to avoid such a situation.

A retired banker Sarath Anuruddha of Matale said that it was unethical to seek the membership in another party after contesting from a different party.

A trishaw driver, Kumara of Kottawa said " I am not against the crossovers of the national list MPs, as they were not elected by people, but, what about others who were elected by people.

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