-By A Staff Writer
(Lanka-e-News -24.Nov.2024,11.20 pm) In Sri Lanka, politics is never boring, and this week’s episode of “As the Parliament Turns” centers around Hirunika Premachandra, the fearless Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) fighter, who is battling her way back into Parliament. Known for her firebrand debating skills, grassroots activism, and spearheading the Aragalaya protests that ousted former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Hirunika is no stranger to taking on powerful forces. But now, she finds herself in a plot straight out of a political soap opera.
The question on everyone’s lips is: why hasn’t Hirunika been appointed as a National List MP yet? After all, as the SJB’s National Women’s Organizer and a prominent face in Sri Lankan politics, she seems like an obvious choice to represent the party’s women. The answer, it seems, lies in a mix of palace intrigue, media alliances, and good old-fashioned backstabbing.
According to whispers in political circles (and by whispers, we mean loud public allegations), SJB Chairman Imthiyaz Bakeer Markar has been cozying up to HIRU TV owner Rehena Silva in a bid to block Hirunika’s National List appointment. Yes, you read that right—the very media house that helped vilify Hirunika during her election campaign may now be part of a plot to keep her out of Parliament altogether. The reason? Pure ambition.
Imthiyaz, it seems, has his own eyes on the National List seat. And why not? It’s a cushy way to land in Parliament without all the door-to-door campaigning and pothole-complaint listening. But standing in his way is Hirunika, the Wonder Woman of Wijerama, whose return to Parliament would overshadow just about anyone else’s entrance.
Rehena Silva, the queen of HIRU Media, reportedly played a significant role in Hirunika’s downfall during the last elections. With an anti-Hirunika campaign that painted her as overly aggressive and controversial (ironically, the exact qualities that make her a good MP), HIRU helped tilt public opinion just enough to see her lose her seat. And now, rumors abound that Rehena is working with Imthiyaz to make sure Hirunika stays on the sidelines.
Of course, in true Sri Lankan style, no one has confirmed or denied this alleged alliance. But when politicians and media moguls are involved, where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire—or at least a well-funded PR campaign.
Here’s the thing: Hirunika is a lightning rod for attention, and that’s exactly what the SJB needs in Parliament right now. Whether you love her or loathe her, she’s one of the few politicians who can rally a crowd, debate circles around her opponents, and dominate a news cycle—all before lunch. She embodies the spirit of the Aragalaya, which galvanized public outrage against the corrupt Rajapaksa regime. Failing to bring her back into the fold risks alienating the very voters who supported the SJB during those tumultuous months.
Yet, instead of recognizing her value, the SJB seems intent on turning internal squabbles into a Shakespearean tragedy (or comedy, depending on your perspective). As Hirunika herself might say: “Ayyo, is this a party or a circus?”
Despite the obstacles, Hirunika isn’t going down without a fight. This is the woman who once stormed into the homes of alleged kidnappers and who fearlessly faced off against the Rajapaksas. If there’s one thing we know about her, it’s that she thrives under pressure.
As for Imthiyaz and Rehena? Well, they may want to tread carefully. In Sri Lankan politics, alliances are as stable as a Colombo tuk-tuk on a rainy day, and Hirunika’s supporters are already making noise about the unfairness of the situation. If she does make it back to Parliament, you can bet her first fiery speech will include a not-so-subtle roasting of her detractors.
Whether Hirunika secures a National List seat or not, this saga has all the elements of a political thriller: ambition, betrayal, and enough drama to rival a prime-time soap opera. For now, the ball is in the SJB’s court. Will they embrace Hirunika as the symbol of resistance and women’s empowerment that she is? Or will internal politicking keep her sidelined, much to the delight of her detractors?
Stay tuned, Sri Lanka. This is one political show you don’t want to miss.
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by (2024-11-24 17:55:02)
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