-By LeN Political Correspondent
(Lanka-e-News -02.Jan.2025, 11.20 PM) The United National Party (UNP), a cornerstone of Sri Lankan political history, finds itself at a perilous juncture. Once revered for its liberal policies and pioneering introduction of an open economy, the UNP is now a shadow of its former self. With Ranil Wickremesinghe preoccupied with presidential duties and possibly angling for international accolades, the search for a successor has taken center stage. Enter Ruwan Wijewardene, a man whose candidacy has sparked more laughter than applause.
Is Ruwan truly the savior the UNP needs, or is his bid for leadership a comedy of errors set to plunge the party into political oblivion?
Ruwan Wijewardene’s track record in politics is as uninspiring as his daily routine—reportedly waking up at 2 p.m. His tenure as Deputy Minister of Defence was marked by a string of absurdities, starting with his infamous private secretary, Anushi Jayawardhana. Dubbed the self-proclaimed "Wijewardene," Anushi’s alleged meddling in national security matters raised eyebrows and tempers within defense circles.
Anushi’s peculiar role wasn’t the only source of controversy. Ruwan’s choice of advisors also left many scratching their heads. Saman Ratnapriya, a former male nurse turned political aide, and Ashu Marasinghe, a man famously photographed cuddling with dogs, became his trusted confidants. Together, they formed a trifecta of questionable competency, leaving seasoned officials, including Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, in disbelief during critical inquiries, such as those concerning the Easter Sunday attacks.
When questioned about his role and responsibility during the Easter Attacks Parliamentary Committee inquiry, Ruwan’s silence was deafening. Observers noted his inability to provide coherent answers, a reflection of his lack of preparedness and understanding of the gravity of his role.
Ruwan Wijewardene is best known as the scion of a powerful media dynasty, famously linked to the ownership of The Sunday Times,The News Publication House facing severe ecnomica crisis. This pedigree undoubtedly grants him influence, but his detractors argue that his family name is his only political asset. With little to no electoral credibility or grassroots connection, critics claim Ruwan lacks the gravitas to lead Sri Lanka’s oldest political party.
His tenure as Deputy Minister of Defence under the Yahapalana government further undermines his claim to leadership. Defense circles reportedly viewed him as ineffective, with some insiders describing his performance as "zero experience and zero results." For a position demanding strategic thinking and decisive action, Ruwan’s tenure was, at best, a lesson in how not to govern.
The humiliation didn’t end with his ministerial blunders. Ruwan’s attempt to secure the Malwana, in the Biyagama electorate ended in a historic defeat. For the first time in UNP history, the constituency turned its back on the party—a testament to Ruwan’s lackluster campaign and inability to connect with voters.
A diplomat in Colombo summed it up aptly: “Ruwan has the charisma of a wet blanket and the decision-making skills of a distracted toddler. His ego is inversely proportional to his political acumen.”
Ranil Wickremesinghe has long touted the UNP’s stance against nepotism, yet the mere consideration of Ruwan Wijewardene as a successor reeks of dynastic favoritism. It’s a paradox that hasn’t gone unnoticed. Ruwan’s only apparent qualification is his last name—a family legacy that carries weight in the drawing rooms of Colombo but holds little value in the hearts of grassroots voters.
Handing the reins to Ruwan would not only alienate the party’s dwindling base but also solidify the perception that the UNP has become a club for privileged elites rather than a platform for democratic representation.
The UNP’s survival hinges on more than just replacing its leader. The party needs a complete overhaul—a reinvigoration of its ideology, strategy, and public image. It needs a leader who embodies competence, vision, and the ability to inspire trust among the electorate.
The UNP’s next leader must also address the party’s disconnection from grassroots voters. The days of relying on Colombo’s elite for support are long gone. The electorate demands a leader who understands their struggles, speaks their language, and offers tangible solutions to their problems and who can build a bridge with minority voters.
Ruwan Wijewardene’s critics don’t mince words. Descriptions range from “childish” to “clueless,” with little evidence to counter these claims. His lack of decisiveness, poor communication skills, and failure to engage with ordinary voters make him an ill-suited candidate for leadership.
Even within the UNP, there’s a growing consensus that Ruwan’s ascension would be a disaster. The party’s senior members have expressed concerns about his ability to manage internal conflicts, let alone steer the party through the turbulent waters of national politics.
For Ranil Wickremesinghe, this is a defining moment. His choice of successor will not only shape the future of the UNP but also cement his legacy as a leader. Having already endured betrayals from the likes of Ravi Karunanayake, Ranil must tread carefully.
The UNP needs a leader who can restore its reputation as a party of substance, not spectacle. Handing over the reins to Ruwan Wijewardene would be seen as a capitulation to mediocrity—a move that could spell the end of the party as we know it.
The United National Party stands at a crossroads. It can either embrace change and rally behind a competent, visionary leader or continue its descent into irrelevance. Ruwan Wijewardene’s candidacy is a symptom of the party’s deeper malaise—a reliance on legacy over merit, entitlement over effort.
If the UNP is to have any hope of regaining its former glory, it must reject the farce of Ruwan’s leadership bid and focus on rebuilding its foundations. The party owes it to its history, its supporters, and the nation to rise above the comedy of errors that has defined its recent years.
In the words of one exasperated party insider, “If Ruwan Wijewardene is the answer, we’re asking the wrong question.”
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by (2025-01-02 22:52:53)
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