UNP reforms: Will it drag on?

A meeting of the special committee appointed by the United National Party (UNP) to discuss the reorganization of the party and amending its constitution is currently in session at its headquarters Sirikotha in Kotte.

The committee headed by UNP MP Joseph Michael Perera is considering the proposals from party members on the reforms and also as to what post is to be held by whom. The Working Committee last week decided that it would hold internal elections for the party posts. This was consequent to a demand by Hambantota district parliamentarian Sajith Premadasa urging for internal elections for important positions within the party.

When the special committee was appointed at a stormy meeting in Sirikotha last week, members were given time till Monday, May 10 to submit their proposals. However, the committee is of the view that the time limit is inadequate and may be extended, say UNP sources. The final proposals are to be put forward for ratification at the party convention to be held soon.

With a long string of defeats at elections, UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe is under severe pressure to step down and hand over the reins of power to another person. Former President Ranasinghe Premadasa’s son Sajith is being backed by a larger section of the party for the leadership position.

Meanwhile another section advocates a role like that of the Indian Congress, where Sonia, wife of slain former Premier Rajiv Gandhi, is the head of the party and a crucial decision maker while Dr. Manmohan Singh is the Prime Minister.

They suggest that Sajith Premadasa could be party leader while Ranil Wickremesinghe could play a crucial advisory role.