-Revealed by the Political Correspondent
(Lanka-e-News -20.Nov.2024,11.20 pm) Amidst a scenario where not a single United National Party (UNP) member was elected to Parliament under the National Democratic Front's (NDF) "cylinder" symbol, one of the two National List MP positions allocated to the NDF has been filled by Ravi Karunanayake, the Deputy Leader of the UNP. Despite not winning through direct or indirect means, current UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, who clings to UNP leadership like a "house lizard," and his associates, including Vajira Abeywardena, have been accused of maneuvering to appoint Ravi to this position. Lanka E News has uncovered this secret.
Even when Ranil resisted filling any of the National List MP positions, Ravi played his political cards by securing his appointment through a letter signed by Sharmila Perera, the General Secretary of the NDF and his long-time political ally. The Election Commission recognized this letter and officially gazetted Ravi as a National List MP. Now, no one can dispute Ravi's parliamentary position, as the Election Commission has clarified that it only deals with party secretaries regarding National List nominations, not with other coalition members. Hence, Ravi's MP position is confirmed.
Despite the UNP not having any elected MPs or appointees from the National List, why are Ranil and his close allies giving so much prominence to Ravi Karunanayake, the UNP's Deputy Leader?
The answer lies in the fact that, following this development, Ranil can secure his lifelong UNP leadership. For Ranil, retaining UNP leadership is invaluable, even though he has driven the party to near collapse. Despite this, Ranil still values the loyalty of a select few followers who accept his leadership. Ravi’s appointment ensures not only Ranil’s continued grip on leadership but also blocks any chance for someone from Ranil's homosexual clique or other senior members like Vajira to take over the party’s leadership.
According to the UNP constitution, if a UNP MP becomes President or Opposition Leader, they automatically gain UNP leadership. If neither position is held by a UNP MP, the leadership defaults to the most senior UNP parliamentarian. This clause has been acknowledged by the Election Commission.
Ranil, however, cannot be appointed to any parliamentary position under the current circumstances. He is not on the National List, nor did he contest or win an election. As the Election Commission has clarified, individuals not nominated or elected cannot be appointed to Parliament via the National List.
Given these circumstances, if anyone else from the UNP is appointed to Parliament, and they do not hold the presidency or opposition leadership, the UNP leadership must go to the most senior UNP parliamentarian. As Ravi Karunanayake is both the Deputy Leader and the senior-most UNP MP, it becomes inevitable that he takes over the UNP leadership.
Ranil and his homosexual clique, along with loyalists like Vajira, are reportedly facing significant distress due to this legal reality. After decades of clinging to UNP leadership through manipulation, Ranil now finds himself exposed. His rise in the party was allegedly supported by homosexual allies, and he has systematically sidelined male leaders like Karu Jayasuriya and Ravi. Now, however, Ravi Karunanayake and Sharmila Perera have dismantled the final threads of Ranil’s political grip, leaving him vulnerable.
Amid these developments, the police have reportedly taken steps to provide security to Ravi Karunanayake's residence.
Meanwhile, amidst internal disputes within the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) regarding National List MP nominations, SJB General Secretary Madduma Bandara has followed Ravi’s example. He submitted his own nomination letter to the Election Commission and was subsequently gazetted as a National List MP for the SJB.
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by (2024-11-20 20:11:21)
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