-By A Staff Writer
(Lanka-e-News -28.Sep.2024, 9.30 pm) In a surprising development, reports have surfaced indicating that former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga (C.B.K.) is actively engaged in secret meetings with key political figures, allegedly to form a broad coalition aimed at opposing the National People’s Power (NPP) ahead of the November 2024 general elections.
C.B.K., who held office from 1994 to 2005, has reportedly been meeting with President Ranil Wickremesinghe, opposition leader Sajid Premadasa of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), Tamil and Muslim political leaders, as well as representatives from several smaller, inactive political parties from the southern regions. These meetings are said to be focused on building an alliance to counter the growing influence of the NPP, led by recently elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD).
The former president has allegedly been visiting a particular high commission in Colombo multiple times in recent weeks. Sources close to the matter suggest that she has been seeking political advice and support from this foreign entity, further fueling speculation that a neighboring country is backing her efforts to forge a coalition against the NPP.
C.B.K.'s meetings with a high-ranking diplomat from this country have been closely monitored, leading to questions about potential foreign interference in Sri Lanka's political process. These reports have alarmed various organizations and observers, who are concerned that her actions may destabilize the country ahead of the elections.
While C.B.K. is known for her legacy as one of Sri Lanka's longest-serving heads of state, her tenure has not been without controversy. Critics have raised concerns about her leadership, pointing to her failure to deliver sustainable development during her time in office and the human rights abuses that occurred under her watch. These detractors argue that her current political involvement is motivated by a desire to maintain influence, particularly in the face of the NPP’s rising popularity among ordinary citizens.
C.B.K.’s role in attempting to build this alliance has also been questioned due to her age and alleged declining memory. Political analysts have pointed out that her reemergence appears to be an effort to resist the NPP’s growing appeal, which has been embraced by many Sri Lankans frustrated with the traditional elite class that dominated the country’s political landscape for decades.
The potential coalition being spearheaded by C.B.K. is seen by some as an attempt to undermine the will of the people. The NPP has gained significant traction in recent years, particularly among the working class, who view the party as a fresh alternative to the traditional power structures. With the parliamentary elections just months away, the NPP is poised to challenge the established political order.
C.B.K.’s involvement in this alliance-building process is being framed by her critics as a conspiracy against the majority’s wish for change. The narrative suggests that she is using her influence to pull political strings behind the scenes, with the support of foreign interests, to preserve the status quo.
As news of these secret meetings spreads, there has been growing public outcry, particularly from supporters of the NPP. Many have called for C.B.K. to step away from political life and allow the democratic process to unfold without interference. Activists are urging the general public to be vigilant and resist what they see as a calculated effort by the political elite to cling to power.
The upcoming general elections in November 2024 are expected to be a critical moment for Sri Lanka. With the NPP gaining momentum, the political landscape is shifting, and attempts to thwart this movement are being met with increasing resistance from the public. Whether C.B.K.’s efforts will succeed remains to be seen, but one thing is clear - Sri Lanka’s political future hangs in the balance.
As the election draws closer, the role of former President Chandrika Kumaratunga in this unfolding drama will be closely watched, with many waiting to see if her alleged coalition can withstand the rising tide of change.
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by (2024-09-28 15:56:47)
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