…rules out partnership with those responsible for country’s bankruptcy

by Shamindra Ferdinando

Leader of Eksath Janaraja Peramuna (EJP) Patali Champika Ranawaka has warned that the fate of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa would befall on the next President if he failed to ensure what he called the economic independence of the people.

Referring to the public protest campaign that forced Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resign in May and July 2022, respectively, lawmaker Ranawaka said that those incapable of successfully addressing the economic woes should be prepared to face the consequences.

The former Minister said so in his keynote address at the first convention of the EJP at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium on Saturday (1).

Colombo District MP Ranawaka declared EJP’s readiness to discuss a workable plan with any party. However, the EJP leader ruled out the possibility of his party accommodating those responsible for the current crisis or accused of corruption.

In an obvious reference to the proposed debate between SJB leader Sajith Premadasa and JVP/JJB leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, MP Ranawaka emphasized the importance of a feasible action plan.  The lawmaker played down the importance of such debates.

Among special invitees at the EJP convention were former Presidents, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and Maithripala Sirisena.

Declaring that recent surveys that had been conducted on the forthcoming presidential poll expected to be held in Sept/Oct this year were seriously flawed and lacked scientific basis, MP Ranawaka said that the EJP was ready to work with those keen to represent the interests of the silent majority. MP Ranawaka said that on the basis of the EJP’s agenda they were ready to reach a consensus on a new President, new Parliament and new Republic.

MP Ranawaka emphasised that there was ample space for a political movement that represented the interests of the silent majority. The EJP leader paid a glowing tribute to those who attended the convention without expecting any personal benefits. Having contested the last general election on the SJB ticket, MP Ranawaka formed the EJP.

 Ranawaka alleged that those who sought to capture power offered simple answers to complex issues on the basis of how other bankrupt countries faced crises. Declaring that the country was in such a precarious situation it couldn’t experiment with a new system–an obvious reference to JVP/JJB, MP Ranawaka emphasized the pivotal importance of a permanent political decision to create economic independence.

Sri Lanka officially declared bankruptcy status in April 2022 during Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s presidency.

“Regardless of who becomes the next President or who controls Parliament, the country needs a viable plan to settle debt,” MP Ranawaka said.

Acknowledging that President Ranil Wickremesinghe had been able to stabilize the situation temporarily, MP Ranawaka found fault with the Wickremesinghe-Rajapaksa government for burdening the public, the vast majority of whom were unable to make ends meet. However, those responsible for the economic crisis hadn’t been punished, MP Ranawaka said, alleging that the government failed at least to collect taxes from those who owed the Treasury massive amounts of money.

MP Ranawaka explained how the growing political underworld threatened the country at every level.

General Secretary of EJP Bandula Chandrasekera said that they had been able to lay the foundation for the creation of a political movement that could really change the country.

Chandrasekera explained how they could proceed on the basis of their agenda that had been presented to the Maha Sangha, political parties and other interested groups in a bid to encourage consensus on a feasible action plan.

Declaring that the EJP had been recognized by the Election Commission, Chandrasekera said that they had carried out political work in 20 administrative districts, conducted nearly 75 meetings, in addition to 14 district conventions.

A section of the gathering at the first convention of the EJP held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium (pictures courtesy the EJP)