JRJ's legacy - the remedy for UNP's woes - Daya Gamage

By Jaliya WIJESURIYA

Democracy is accepted as the best form of governance in the civilised world and the majority of countries at present practise democracy.

The word 'DEMOCRACY' is not an original English word, but a combination of two Greek terms eg Demos-Crathos. In Greek demos means people and Crathos means rule or administration. These two Greek words have formed the English word Democracy, which is basically defined as a government of the people, by the people, for the people.

There are unique features in a democratic form of government and freedom is the most valued aspect of democracy. Freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom to practise the desired religion, freedom of living in any part of the country, justice and fairplay for all and the rule of law are guaranteed under democratic governance.

Democracy was deep rooted in Sri Lanka, especially after Independence and all political parties adhered to this system and formulated their party policies and principles based on the frame work of democracy.

Lanka Sama Samaja Party was the first registered political party in the country and was followed by the United National Party, Federal Party of Ceylon, Sri Lanka Freedom Party and thereafter a large number of political parties. All these political parties accepted democracy based on their different political ideologies.

The United National Party ruled the country for over 30 years under six of its leaders since Independence, in different terms of office, and rendered an immeasurable service to the nation from its inception.Great leaders such as D.S. Senanayake, Dudley Senanayake, J.R. Jayewardene and Ranasinghe Premadasa left an indelible impression in the minds of the people of this country by initiating different projects and programs for the socio-economic development of the people.

The United National Party experienced many ups and downs in the past, but had never remained in the Opposition for more than one Parliamentary term prior to 1994.

Ranil Wickremesinghe became the leader of the party following the assassination of Gamini Dissanayake. He led the party to victory at the 2001 general elections. He formed a stable government with the support of the breakaway group of the UPFA headed by its General Secretary S.B. Dissanayake and five other senior ministers. However, he was not allowed to consolidate and continue in this position by the Executive Presidency and the Government was dissolved after two years. The United National Party was defeated by the aggressive campaign launched by the UPFA with the support of the JVP and 12 other political parties, at the next general election.

Since then, the UNP has not been able to bounce back to power at any of the subsequent elections and the results reveal that the UNP vote base had gradually deteriorated during the past few years.

With the series of defeats suffered by the party, Ranil Wickremesinghe's leadership was challenged by young Parliamentarian Sajith Premadasa who called for amendments to the party Constitution. His campaign against the leadership gathered momentum with the support of some vociferous sitting members and a few provincial councillors.

The chaotic situation in the party led to various disputes and finally the party hierarchy decided to go for an election to elect new office bearers including for the position of leader. The election was held for working committee members and a vast majority of them reposed their confidence in Ranil Wickremesinghe to lead the party.

Opposition leader of the Eastern Provincial Council Daya Gamage, who contested for the National Organiser's post convincingly defeated his opponent, the vociferous speaker from the reformist group Dayasiri Jayasekera, a Parliamentarian from the Kurunegala district.

Unfortunate, uncouth and unwarranted incidents erupted with the promulgation of results at the party headquarters and each and every genuine UNP member vehemently condemned these savage, barbaric and brutal acts.

Even after the new office bearers were elected in a transparent

fashion, the reformist members made disparaging remarks which are detrimental to the smooth functioning of the party and also leading to dismay and disappointment among the grass roots level membership.

The main allegation of the reformist group is that there is no democracy in the party and they are not agreeable with the dictatorial attitude of the leader. The grass roots level membership is left on the lurch with utterance of this nature and one wonders whether the UNP would ever come back to power with this on going conflict.

The Sunday Observer had an exclusive interview wit the National Organiser of the UNP to ascertain the present situation of the party and its future course of action to regain its lost glory.

Excerpts of the interview:

Q: The main allegation of the reformist group is that there is no democracy in the party under the present leadership. Is there any truth in it?

A: I do not understand why some of our members are saying there is no democracy in the Party. People who were talking about democracy earlier have now joined with UPFA, hoping to get the best ministries.

I cannot understand why these people are criticising Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, who believes in democracy and that is why he has been reappointed President of the Asia Pacific Democrat Union this year as well.

Q: Why didn't the leader give the authority to Sajith Premadasa to act on his behalf during his short stay abroad?

A: That you have to ask the Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Q: Reformists are still clamouring that arbitrary actions of the leadership has contributed to the downfall of the party. Is there any truth in this?

A: Some people blame the leadership for everything baselessly. Some people who got the membership of the UNP are trying to work outside the frame of the party. These people are trying to paint their personal views on the government policies. This damages the image of the Party.

We have wasted the last two years without carrying out our responsibilities, being the main Opposition of the country.

Therefore, there should be proper discipline in the Party. Without discipline, you cannot run an organisation. Therefore, the Working Committee has appointed a Disciplinary Committee. Action will be taken against those who talking against the Party or the Working Committee. The party Leader should not be blamed for everything. I am also a Member of the Working Committee and if this is wrong, I am also responsible.

Q: Party has issued a directive to all members not to conduct press briefings without the prior approval of the leadership or of the General Secretary. But reformists group members do not comply with this request and make various utterances. Will there be disciplinary actions against them?

A:Yes, definitely, as per the decision taken by the Working Committee.

Q: As the newly elected National Organiser, you have a Herculean task in integrating the disgruntled factions of the party. How do you hope to do this?

A: I have already drawn up a comprehensive plan to reorganise the party by carrying out various projects to help grassroots level UNP membership. I am inviting everybody to participate in this program.

I shall have a clear dialogue with all disgruntled factions of the party and find remedial measures and consolidate the membership as soon as possible under the strong leadership of Ranil Wickremesinghe, maintaining utmost discipline among the entire membership. That is the legacy we have inherited from our great leader J. R. Jayewardene.

Q: Despite the criticism levelled at the party leader, the UNP would have remained a vibrant opposition in Parliament, hadn't the 17 members crossed over to the Government. What was the real reason for them to join the Government? Is it for personal benefits?

A: Their cross-over was 100 percent for personal benefits.

Q: Due to the ongoing crisis, where does the party take its supporters?

A: There is no such crisis. I read that Karu Jayasuriya has told the newspapers that "the election of Office Bearers is over, and everybody should work to develop the Party." Some unscrupulous media organisations are trying to create a different picture to the world.

Q: Are you confident that you can revitalise the membership island-wide and resurrect the party from its present slumber?

A: I am fully confident. I will carry out my responsibilities towards organising the UNP to form a government before 2015. I have plans to drive our membership to three million before August this year.

Q: The Government has pledged 13 + to the Northern problem. The UNP wants devolution of power to satisfy minority aspirations. Where are you going to draw the line?

A: The UNP has given that mandate clearly. We should not treat Tamils and Muslims as minorities. They should feel they are also Sri Lankans and this country belongs to all who have been born in Sri Lanka without any differentiation to their race, religion or nationality.

That is what they require, not 13 or 13 +. The conflict is over now. The Government has two-third power. They should deliver without blaming the UNP or Western countries.

Q: What have you got to say about the LLRC Report?

A: LLRC report was prepared by nominees of the President. I believe they have prepared it in such a way that Sri Lanka is very lightly affected.

If the Government is not implementing that report, they should at least show the rest of the world that they have some respect for democracy.

Because, in my case, I have lived the last 30 years period in Ampara, which had been a terrorist affected area. I have been harassed by many parties because my wife and I are holding responsible positions in the main Opposition - UNP.

Q: The government is right now confronted with a number of problems with regard to education, health, electricity, water supply and cost of living. Why doesn't the Opposition Mobilise the masses and try to get political advantage?

A: Whatever problems there may be, the UNP is not a party to get political advantages. As the Opposition our duty is to highlight or question these things and prompt the Government to enter the correct path. However, they have a clear mandate to govern this country for a certain period.

Q: Allegations have been made that bribery and corruption is prevalent. Why doesn't the Opposition seek political advantages out of this situation?

A: We are doing our duty in Parliament, Provincial Councils and at whatever chance we get.

Q: Grassroots level reorganisation of the UNP is still at a low ebb. When will you activate the members to restore the lost glory of the party?

A: I have already made my plans as I have mentioned earlier. I will launch my project by next month to drive the UNP towards the winning path.

Q: We have to admit that the grassroots level membership is disappointed with the leadership struggle. Why don't the party leaders realise this situation and come to a compromise for the sake of the membership?

A: Office bearers have been selected by the Party. We should carry out our responsibilities. I will do my best. I believe, at this crucial time period, we need Ranil Wickremesinghe's leadership.

Q: What have you got to say in conclusion to the membership of the UNP?

A: Believe me. I will make sure that I organise the Party to form a government before 2015.