We don’t need a deputy PM or dual citizens as MPs

By Dr Upul Wijayawardhana

No doubt, the vast majority of Sri Lankans admire Basil Rajapaksa and in equal measure despise Maithripala Sirisena. The 20th Amendment to the constitution is competing for headlines with the woes of the UNP, the disgraceful behaviour of saffron-clad politicians and, of course, raids on drugs/underworld which eclipsed even the election. If there is any truth in the speculations regarding the 20A printed in newspapers, both of them would be beneficiaries: one to regain the portfolio he held from 2010 to 2015 and the other to occupy a position not in existence hitherto!

It is true that the Pohottuwa sought a mandate to get rid of the 19A, which caused many problems, and received it rather unexpectedly. However, in spite of closely following the election campaign, I cannot recollect any mention of either the creation of a brand-new post of Deputy Prime Minister or allowing dual citizenship holders to be made Ministers. Therefore, if these two are included in the 20A, one can very justifiably argue that it is stretching an unprecedented mandate for the betterment of individuals. On the other hand, one can argue that a case can be made for exceptional circumstances needing pragmatic solutions. Are we facing such a situation?

Ranil, Chandrika and Mangala created Maithri’s ably assisted by well-meaning personalities like Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha. Some may say that if the venerable had lived longer, he would have been the first to rise against Yahapalanaya and there would have been a course correction. However, considering the crass behaviour of yahapalnaya and the manner in which Ranil is acting contrary to the resounding verdict of the voters, I doubt anyone would have been able to persuade the ill-fated Yahapalanaya to be any different.

Mathri’s vacillation demonstrated that he was no leader and the failure of yahapalanaya, for which he is jointly responsible, led to the annihilation of the UNP and the near-destruction of the SLFP. If he had had any courage Maithri could have prevented the larger second bond-scam. From what is transpiring at the commission of inquiry, which he himself established to investigate the 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks, Maithri, if not directly responsible for not preventing the attack, at the very least was responsible for grossly underperforming as the Minister of Defence. He failed to summon the Security Council to discuss intelligence reports of an imminent attack, but refuses to accept responsibility.

Having made a solemn promise at his inauguration not to secure another presidential term, he sought to do so. Having failed, he contested the parliamentary elections! Under these circumstances, does Maithri deserve to be a minister? The answer is in the negative. Should his inefficiencies be rewarded with elevation by the creation of a new post, simply because he got the highest number of preferential votes in Polonnaruwa District? No! It may well be that these are rumours are spread by his acolytes as face-saving exercise. Let us hope so! If the SLPP does otherwise, people will not forgive it at the next election.

There is absolutely no doubt that Basil is one of the cleverest politicians ever. He operated behind the scenes, being the senior advisor to Mahinda from 2005-2010. He became a nominated MP in 2007 and contested the 2010 parliamentary election from Gampaha district which he won with a huge preferential vote. His tally of 425,861 was the highest number of preferential votes for any candidate in the 2010 election. He functioned very effectively as the Minister of Economic Development from 2010 to 2015. But his crowning glory was the formation of the SLPP, which has become the dominant political force in a matter of three years; a remarkable achievement indeed.

Considering his organisational abilities, Basil could have won from any district had he decided to contest the 2020 election but was prevented from doing so, as he did not want to give up US citizenship. Speculation is rife that the 20Ath Amendment will do way with the ban on dual citizens entering Parliament. If so, it will allow Basil to be the fifth member of the family in the Cabinet.

During the last election, we witnessed the difficulties created by one member of the election commission who is a dual citizen of Sri Lanka and the USA. Can those who hold high positions behave with integrity and independence when their loyalties are divided? When the need of the hour is to prevent dual citizenship holders from sitting on high-powered commissions etc., should political expediency be allowed to set a bad precedence?

JRJ, when he was the Minister of State, broke tradition and made Anandatissa de Alwis his permanent secretary. That appointment led to the ruination of the top-rung of our administrative service.

It is because of my highest regards to Basil that I am making this personal appeal: “If you have any personal reasons why you cannot give up US citizenship, please continue to be the driving force behind the government without setting a bad precedent.