Ranawaka blasts Premadasa; alleges party is controlled by two secret people
Onetime cabinet minister and now leader of the newly formed United Republic Front (URF), Patali Champika Ranawaka, yesterday slammed Sajith Premadasa, leader of the main opposition Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB), “for driving away the party’s supporters” and “weakening it by the day.”
“This is the reason why,” he declared, that “the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) led National People’s Front (NFF) has recorded a surge in public support. “I am constrained to say that the SJB is being run by two others besides Opposition Leader, Premadasa,” he told the Sunday Times. Asked who they were, he replied “I will reveal their real identities when the time comes. It is now a family centered business and there is heavy discontent within. There is nothing called democracy in the party.”
There was no response from Sajith Premadasa despite a string of telephone calls and SMS messages.
Speaking at a URF rally in Bandaragama this week, Ranawaka castigated Premadasa for denying him the opportunity of a speech when Parliament debated the policy statement of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Times for such speeches are slotted by Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella in consultation with the Leader of the Opposition.
Ranawaka said, “It is true that I contested on the SJB ticket. However, I am now an independent MP in Parliament. When I asked Kiriella when my speaking slot would be, he revealed that it had been struck off at the request of Premadasa. Asked why, Kirella had replied that I did not join him to stage a walk out when
President Wickremesinghe was to deliver the statement. That was the first time I learnt of such a walkout. It is nothing more than childish and irresponsible behaviour. All he expects from us is sycophancy. I cannot be subservient that way.”
Ranawaka said he had not been informed of either “a walk out or that my speech will not be allowed if I did not join.” The same forces were responsible, Ranawaka said, for him being deprived of being the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. “Through various action I took, I made sure that state revenue was enhanced during the period I served,” he declared.
“He (Premadasa) simply thinks he is going to win the presidential election. He does not realise the enormous damage he is causing. There are key members who are not happy but are patient. His late father, President Ranasinghe Premadasa, was more understanding and did not talk from a high pedestal. He mingled with all,” he pointed out.
This week was significant for the United Republic Front (URF). Representatives of all political parties took part in an event at the Lakshman Kadigamar Centre where a 32-page programme of work was released. Ranawaka described it as “our common minimum programme” and said it would be the basis of the URF’s “humanitarian alliance.” Twelve different chapters dealing with various aspects including the economy and development related issues have been spelt out, some in flowery language. “The antidote to our present afflictions lies in confiding the vital task for national reconstruction to a coalition of political forces, that has unequivocally showcased the prowess, competence, and effectiveness in implementing modern and intricate development strategies in times gone by,” notes the document, which is under Ranawaka, the party leader’s name.
A noteworthy feature of this “common minimum programme” is a pledge to auction super luxury vehicles assigned to public representatives and officers. It is to be replaced with vehicles that are sustainable, affordable, and align with the specific requirements of their service.
It also offers to establish a fully empowered “Judicial Commission for Economic Crimes” promptly to investigate and prosecute those responsible for economic crimes leading to the current bankruptcy and economic downturn. Swift and just punishment is to be administered. Other pledges worth a mention are: Confiscate concealed money within and outside the country by enacting necessary legislative amendments to the relevant acts. This decisive action ensures accountability and curtails illicit financial activities. Ensure the immediate appointment of an Inspector General of Police (IGP), through the police commission, who has not been found guilty by a court of law. This upholds the integrity of law enforcement leadership. Addressing the alarming erosion in health services, particularly concerning low-quality and counterfeit drugs, is imperative.