GL frowns on SLFP leaping to Susil’s defence

By Shamindra Ferdinando

The stage is set for a major clash between the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and its second largest constituent, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).

SLPP Chairman and Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris yesterday (10) flayed the SLFP for the latter’s backing for Colombo District SLPP MP Susil Premjayantha, who was stripped of his portfolios following his criticism of the government.

Prof. Peiris told the regular weekly media briefing at the SLPP office at Battaramulla that the former President and the SLFP leader Maithripala Sirisena’s position that instead of disciplinary measures the government should rectify its mistakes and shortcomings, was not acceptable at all.

The SLFP group in Parliament consists of 14 members, including one National List MP. Of them, 12 members, including party leader Sirisena, have contested the last general election on the SLPP ticket and one (Dr. Suren Raghavan) accommodated on the SLPP National List.

While acknowledging the right to dissent, Prof. Peiris emphasised that public criticism wouldn’t be tolerated. The FM declared that those who had taken a different stand on a particular issue could raise such a matter at the government parliamentary group meeting, cabinet and party leaders’ level.

Polonnaruwa District MP Sirisena has repeatedly declared his support for Premjayantha, who was unceremoniously removed on 04 January, two days after his outburst at the Delkanda fair. One-time SLFP General Secretary Premjayantha lambasted Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardane and Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage for having made disastrous policy decisions.

In addition to Premjayantha, several other lawmakers have strongly criticised the government. Three ministers, Vasudeva Nanayakkara, Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Nanayakkara have even backed petitions against the controversial Yugadanavi deal, while State Minister Vidura Wickremanayake has lambasted the entire Cabinet of ministers. Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakse, PC, recently levelled corruption allegations against the Chinese and the current political leadership.

Senior SLFP Vice President Prof. Rohana Lakshman Piyadasa said that the SLPP was not in a position to dictate terms to its constituents. Having behaved in unjustifiable manner and caused irreparable damage, the SLPP was now struggling to regain control, Prof. Piyadasa said. The warning issued to constituent parties looked silly as a section of the Cabinet had moved the Supreme Court against the Cabinet of ministers, Prof. Piyadasa said.

Responding to another query, Prof. Piyadasa declared that the SLFP wouldn’t succumb to pressure. Prof. Piyadasa who had served as the SLFP Chairman during the last presidential election campaign said that it would be a grave mistake for the SLPP to believe it could consolidate its position by threatening other political parties.

Prof. Piyadasa pointed out how two dozen lawmakers representing several political parties had taken a common stand against the Yugadanavi deal though only three lawmakers moved the court.

Prof. Peiris asserted that the failure on the part of the government to speak with one voice caused turmoil not only locally but internationally as well. The Foreign Minister explained how dissenting views could undermine government efforts to attract foreign investments.

Prof. Peiris asserted that those in the government couldn’t play double roles simultaneously. How could they perform the role of government and Opposition MPs at the same time? Prof. Peiris asked.

At the onset of the briefing Prof. Peiris countered the assertion that the government had been isolated internationally as a result of being ignored by some sections of the international community. Referring to the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visit to Colombo over the weekend, Prof. Peiris briefed the media on his recent visit to Dubai and Seoul where the focus was on South Korean assistance and more employment opportunities to Sri Lankan workers there.

Prof. Peiris expressed confidence that as promised South Korea would increase the number of Sri Lankan workers employed there soon. He said that South Korea would make an announcement in that regard next month.