Best head of UNP now

Why are they looking for the Head Mahout of the Green Elephant when an excellent one is available? Three new contenders have been made to vie for the post of Leader, with four already in the running. Leave them all aside, since each has some flaw ranging from youth and inexperience to chronic forgetfulness, even accusations of corruption.

The likely leader in this woman’s sensible thinking is Karu Jayasuriya. He has pre-eminent qualifications and suitability. To mention but three: He was a top mercantile sector executive; he conducted himself excellently as Speaker of Parliament; he gave proof of his indomitable nature in the rumpus where certain SLFP/SLPP members became thugs in Parliament, and actually threw heavy volumes and damp chilli powder at him. He was completely unfazed, showing himself to be what he is: straight, unruffled and unafraid.

Has he by chance said he is leaving politics? Is he retiring because of age? The last is ludicrous when you consider some elected to the Cabinet on 12 August – doddery and …(Too many minus points to mention!). He can retire with a better earned excuse for stepping down and opting out of the dirty business of politics. But this after he puts the UNP in order; brings it to at least a semblance of what it was – admittedly the most dignified and oldest political party, going back in life to the early decades of the previous century. Let him restore the Party to at least some of its past dignity, and then retire, with another success feather in his cap and praise and thanks from the people.

KARU ADMIRING

WOMAN