-By A Special Correspondent
(Lanka-e-News -09.April.2024, 10.20 PM) In a surprising turn of events, twelve prominent members of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), who currently serve as Ministers in the Government, have announced their decision to join the United National Party (UNP), led by President Ranil Wickramasinghe. Among them is Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardhana, marking a significant shift in the country's political dynamics.
1)Prasanna Ranatunge
2)Mahindananda Aluhgamage
3)Shehan Semasinghe
4)Ramesh Pathirana
5)Kanchana Wijesekara
6)Pramitha Thennakon
7)Ali Sabry
8)S B Dissanayake
9)Pavithra Vanniarachchi
10)Bandula Gunawardhana
11)Susil Pemajayantha
12)Vidura Wickramanayake are the Ministers who will join with UNP from SLPP.
The decision to allow SLPP members to join the UNP comes amidst growing dissatisfaction within the SLPP ranks and a desire for a more inclusive and progressive political platform. President Wickramasinghe's move signals a willingness to embrace diversity of thought and talent within the political landscape of Sri Lanka.
Several state ministers and SLPP Members of Parliament are also reportedly planning to defect to the UNP, further strengthening the party's position and potentially altering the balance of power within the government.
One notable figure among the defectors is SLPP MP Premanath Dolawatte, whose collaboration with Vajira, along with the support of apparel mogul Omar Ashroff, has been instrumental in orchestrating the defection project. This collaboration underscores the strategic alliances and behind-the-scenes maneuvering that often characterize political realignments.
However, SLPP National Organizer Namal Rajapaksa faces a formidable challenge in attempting to prevent his parliamentarians from defecting to the UNP. The allure of various benefits and opportunities within the UNP ranks poses a significant threat to the cohesion of the SLPP party.
Furthermore, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, who previously served as the legal advisor to SLPP's former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, has openly thrown his support behind President Wickramasinghe's candidacy for the 2024 Presidential election. This endorsement reflects a shift in allegiance and highlights the fluid nature of political loyalties in Sri Lanka.
The defection of twelve SLPP Ministers to the UNP marks a significant development in Sri Lankan politics, signaling a potential realignment of political forces and the emergence of a more diverse and inclusive political landscape. As the country prepares for the 2024 Presidential election, these defections are likely to have far-reaching implications for the future direction of Sri Lanka's governance and political discourse.
In a shocking turn of events, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardhana, a key figure within the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and a longstanding ally of the Rajapaksa family, has reportedly betrayed his former allies by aligning himself with the United National Party (UNP) led by President Ranil Wickramasinghe. Gunawardhana's decision to abandon the SLPP and cozy up to the UNP has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, casting doubts on his loyalty and integrity.
Once regarded as a staunch supporter of the Rajapaksa family and their political agenda, Gunawardhana's defection marks a significant betrayal and underscores the cutthroat nature of Sri Lankan politics. His decision to bow down to the UNP without standing firm on his principles has raised questions about his political backbone and moral compass.
Gunawardhana's betrayal is seen as a calculated move aimed at securing his own political future and furthering his personal ambitions. By aligning himself with the UNP, he hopes to position himself favorably within the party ranks and capitalize on potential opportunities for advancement.
However, Gunawardhana's actions have not gone unnoticed within the SLPP camp, where his betrayal has been met with anger and disappointment. Many view his defection as a betrayal of the principles and values espoused by the SLPP, and a slap in the face to the Rajapaksa family, who have long considered him a trusted ally.
The betrayal of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardhana highlights the precarious nature of political alliances in Sri Lanka, where loyalty can often be bought and sold for personal gain. His willingness to betray his former allies for the sake of his own political ambitions speaks volumes about the depths to which some politicians are willing to sink in pursuit of power.
As the fallout from Gunawardhana's betrayal continues to reverberate throughout the political landscape, it serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Sri Lanka's democracy. In a system plagued by corruption, cronyism, and opportunism, the betrayal of political allies is all too common, further eroding public trust in the political establishment.
Ultimately, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardhana's decision to betray the Rajapaksa family for his own political gain may prove to be a short-sighted move, as it risks alienating both his former allies and the electorate at large. Only time will tell whether his gamble will pay off or whether he will be remembered as yet another politician who sacrificed principles for power.
The political landscape of Sri Lanka has been rocked by sensational allegations made by Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, who has accused the Rajapaksa family of orchestrating the controversial forced cremation policy and forcing him into the issue. Sabry, who was once a staunch supporter of the Rajapaksa family and a member of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), has now aligned himself with the United National Party (UNP) and is speaking out against his former allies.
The forced cremation policy, which mandated the cremation of COVID-19 victims against the wishes of their families, sparked widespread outrage and condemnation both domestically and internationally. Many saw it as a violation of religious freedoms and cultural practices, particularly among the Muslim minority in Sri Lanka.
Sabry's allegations have added fuel to the fire, suggesting that the Rajapaksa family played a central role in implementing the controversial policy. According to Sabry, he was pressured by the Rajapaksas to support the forced cremation policy, despite his personal reservations and objections. He claims that he was coerced into complying with the policy out of fear of reprisal from the powerful Rajapaksa clan.
The accusations leveled by Foreign Minister Ali Sabry have sent shockwaves through the political establishment, raising serious questions about the integrity and accountability of the Rajapaksa family. If true, these allegations would implicate the Rajapaksas in a grave human rights violation and undermine their reputation both domestically and internationally.
However, the Rajapaksa family has vehemently denied Sabry's allegations, dismissing them as baseless and politically motivated. They argue that Sabry is merely trying to deflect attention away from his own role in the forced cremation issue and tarnish their image for personal gain.
The unfolding drama surrounding Foreign Minister Ali Sabry's allegations has laid bare the deep divisions and power struggles within Sri Lanka's political elite. It highlights the lengths to which politicians are willing to go to gain or maintain power, even if it means betraying former allies and making grave accusations against them.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the allegations made by Foreign Minister Ali Sabry will impact the political landscape of Sri Lanka and the standing of the Rajapaksa family. What is clear, however, is that the fallout from this scandal is likely to have far-reaching implications for the country's democratic institutions and governance.
As Sri Lanka gears up for the highly anticipated Presidential election in 2024, the political landscape is witnessing a significant shift with several Members of Parliament from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party, led by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, defecting to join President Ranil Wickramasinghe's United National Party (UNP). This unexpected turn of events poses a formidable challenge to Rajapaksa and his family as they struggle to maintain control and unity within their political ranks.
The defections come at a critical juncture, just months before the Presidential election, and underscore the growing discontent and disillusionment among SLPP members. Reports indicate that a number of SLPP MPs, disillusioned with the party's leadership and direction, have decided to align themselves with President Wickramasinghe's UNP in anticipation of the upcoming election.
The defections represent a significant blow to Mahinda Rajapaksa's leadership and political influence, as several key figures within the SLPP fold have chosen to abandon ship. This includes members of the Rajapaksa family itself, further complicating the situation for the former President.
One of the most prominent defectors is reported to be a close confidant of the Rajapaksa family, whose decision to switch sides has sent shockwaves through the SLPP ranks. The defection of such influential figures highlights the depth of dissatisfaction within the party and raises questions about Mahinda Rajapaksa's ability to retain the loyalty of his supporters.
President Ranil Wickramasinghe's UNP, on the other hand, stands to gain significantly from these defections, as it seeks to bolster its ranks and consolidate support ahead of the Presidential election. The influx of SLPP MPs into the UNP fold could potentially tip the scales in favor of Wickramasinghe's candidacy, further complicating an already fiercely contested political landscape.
In response to the defections, Mahinda Rajapaksa and his loyalists have launched a concerted effort to stem the tide and shore up support within the SLPP ranks. However, their efforts may prove to be in vain as the allure of joining forces with the UNP becomes increasingly irresistible for disillusioned SLPP members.
The defections of SLPP MPs to President Ranil Wickramasinghe's UNP represent a seismic shift in Sri Lankan politics, with far-reaching implications for the upcoming Presidential election. As the country braces for a fiercely contested electoral battle, the defections serve as a stark reminder of the fluid nature of political allegiances and the enduring quest for power and influence.
President Ranil Wickramasinghe's recent decision to fracture the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party into factions has sparked controversy and raised concerns about its potential repercussions in future elections. Central to this debate is Wickramasinghe's underestimation of Mahinda Rajapaksa's formidable vote base among Buddhist Sinhalese voters, a miscalculation that could prove costly in upcoming electoral battles.
Mahinda Rajapaksa, a towering figure in Sri Lankan politics and a former President, commands significant support among Buddhist Sinhalese voters, who form a crucial electoral bloc in the country. His tenure as President, marked by the end of the decades-long civil war against the Tamil Tigers, earned him widespread acclaim and cemented his status as a political heavyweight.
However, President Wickramasinghe's decision to fracture the SLPP party into factions risks undermining Rajapaksa's electoral strength and diluting his support base among Buddhist Sinhalese voters. By sowing discord and division within the SLPP ranks, Wickramasinghe may inadvertently be playing into the hands of his political adversaries, allowing them to capitalize on internal strife and weaken Rajapaksa's influence.
Furthermore, Wickramasinghe's underestimation of Rajapaksa's electoral prowess reflects a broader disconnect between the ruling party and the electorate, particularly among the Buddhist Sinhalese majority. Failure to recognize and address the concerns and aspirations of this demographic could prove detrimental to Wickramasinghe's electoral prospects in future elections.
The decision to break the SLPP party into factions has already met with criticism and opposition from within the ruling coalition, with many expressing concerns about its potential impact on electoral unity and cohesion. Some fear that the fragmentation of the SLPP could pave the way for a resurgent opposition led by Rajapaksa, who may exploit divisions within the ruling coalition to rally support and mount a formidable challenge in future elections.
President Ranil Wickramasinghe's underestimation of Mahinda Rajapaksa's vote base among Buddhist Sinhalese voters is a strategic blunder that could have far-reaching consequences for his political future. As Sri Lanka braces for upcoming electoral battles, Wickramasinghe would do well to heed the lessons of history and recognize the enduring appeal of Rajapaksa's brand of politics among key demographic groups. Failure to do so could spell defeat for the ruling coalition and pave the way for a resurgence of Rajapaksa's political fortunes.
Former President Chandrika Kumaratunga's recent maneuvers in Sri Lankan politics have raised eyebrows and ignited speculation about her intentions and allegiances. Reports suggest that Kumaratunga is actively working to undermine the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party and eradicate the political influence of the Rajapaksa family, with the backing of current President Ranil Wickramasinghe and purported assistance from Indian intelligence.
Kumaratunga, a prominent figure in Sri Lankan politics and a member of the Bandaranaike political dynasty, has a long and complicated history with the Rajapaksa family. While she served as President from 1994 to 2005, her tenure was marked by tensions and power struggles with Mahinda Rajapaksa, who eventually succeeded her as President in 2005.
In recent years, Kumaratunga has emerged as a vocal critic of the Rajapaksa family and their brand of politics, which she perceives as authoritarian and detrimental to Sri Lanka's democratic institutions. Her efforts to undermine the SLPP and marginalize the Rajapaksas reflect a deep-seated animosity and a desire to reshape the political landscape of Sri Lanka in her own image.
Reports suggest that Kumaratunga has found a willing ally in President Ranil Wickramasinghe, who shares her antipathy towards the Rajapaksa family and their political ambitions. Together, they are said to be orchestrating a concerted campaign to weaken the SLPP and erode the Rajapaksas' electoral base, with the backing of Indian intelligence agencies.
The alleged involvement of Indian intelligence in Sri Lankan politics adds a new dimension to the unfolding drama, raising questions about the extent of external influence and interference in the country's domestic affairs. While India has historically maintained close ties with successive Sri Lankan governments, its role in supporting Kumaratunga and Wickramasinghe's agenda is likely to fuel speculation and controversy.
For the Rajapaksa family, Kumaratunga's machinations represent a formidable challenge to their political legacy and aspirations. With their erstwhile allies turning against them and external forces aligning with their opponents, the Rajapaksas find themselves on the defensive, fighting to preserve their influence and relevance in Sri Lankan politics.
As the political landscape of Sri Lanka continues to evolve, the actions of figures like Chandrika Kumaratunga and President Ranil Wickramasinghe will shape the country's future trajectory. Whether their efforts to undermine the SLPP and sideline the Rajapaksa family will succeed remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Sri Lanka's political arena is a battleground where old rivalries and new alliances collide, with far-reaching consequences for the nation's democratic fabric.
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by (2024-04-09 17:52:36)
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