Both, SLFP and UNP factions in the National Unity Government declared that the differences of opinion between the two parties have not had any impact whatsoever on the forward march of the Government, and there is also no SLFP-UNP rivalry within the ruling coalition. Of course, there could be divergent views as the two major parties for the first time, have joined hands and formed the National Unity Government, yet, the two parties reach unanimous decisions at Cabinet meetings and are on an ambitious political journey. The SLFP and the UNP seniors said, the Joint Opposition’s attempt to topple the Government in 2017 is a mere daydream which would never come true.
UNP Deputy General Secretary and Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam told the Sunday Observer, there is no SLFP-UNP rivalry within the Government as claimed by certain sections. When two parties work together, issues could crop up, and sometimes there may be differences of opinion on certain issues. But, this has not had any impact whatsoever on the Government and the implementation of its key programs. Even if there are divergent views, both parties unanimously take decisions at Cabinet meetings. Although certain sections attempt to portray differences, there are no confrontations between the two parties. However, the nature of a single party-led Government cannot be seen in a National Unity Government. There is bound to be different ideas, as the two major parties for the first time have joined hands and formed the National Unity Government. Both parties take unanimous decisions and march together. Even in the Hambantota issue, eventually, both reached a consensus and performed on one stage.
Minister Kariyawasam said, it is obvious that at times, both, the SLFP and UNP Ministers may make controversial remarks on some issues. It is a natural occurrence in a National Unity Government, since the UNP and the SLFP are poles apart in their ideologies. Especially, the President and the Prime Minister maintain cordial relations and act with a mutual understanding. Sometimes, as Ministers, we too express different opinions and take decisions accordingly. MPs in the two parties express their personal views as well. In the recent past, as was seen, whatever different statements made, finally, both parties reached a compromise and took unanimous decisions.
Dream world
At present, the Government commands a two thirds majority in Parliament. The Government of former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga functioned by a majority of only one vote. The incumbent Government has no such issues as we have mustered a two thirds majority in Parliament. If some politicians in the Joint Opposition are dreaming of a Government of their own, they have to struggle in their ‘dream world’. At present, we have no obstacles whatsoever, to run the Government. New employment opportunities are to be generated and investors have been attracted to the country; while numerous changes are to be made in the sphere of education, health and tourism. The Government has also planned to construct new highways, monorails and also set up a large number of factories in the South. In addition, the European Union has decided to restore the GSP facility to Sri Lanka. There could be some difficulties in the first two to three years. New investments have started to flow into the country this year. When the Government continues in office for another two or three years, the people will have a proper understanding of the direction the Government is taking. If two parties, in two completely different extremes could get together and form a Government, what can’t be done?
Asked about the former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s bid to topple the Government this year, the Minister said, his pledge to topple the Government in 2017 is a mere daydream dictated by bad luck. After his defeat in the Presidential and Parliamentary elections, the former President is now attempting to capture power at least, even in the Pradeshiya Sabhas. Whatever attempts are made by the Joint Opposition, there are two main reasons why the Government cannot be toppled. When political parties and civil society groups criticize and point out the shortcomings of the Government, it means they are on the firm stance that the Rajapaksas should not be returned to power at all.
The incumbent Government may have shortcomings, but it is very much less when compared to the former UPFA regime. For example, how independent the media is today. We can see how the media criticizes the Government, the President and the Prime Minister. The Government has fully ensured media freedom. If we resorted to legal action, most of the JO politicians would be in jail by now. That is why certain sections are blaming the Government for not taking action against them. Under the existing laws and the process to seek advice from the Attorney General, it takes time to bring culprits to book. The Government has not taken revenge from its political opponents. So, what more could we expect under the Yahapalana? The differences between the SLFP and the UNP will be sorted out in the near future. At the beginning, it is somewhat difficult to get used to this system as it is an entirely novel concept, and we had our share of problems. Even our party loyalists who helped form the Government and elect the President now question the utterances of those who joined the Government after January 8. To provide relief and bring victory to the people, we must get together, ironing out differences. That is why we move forward without leaving room for any split within the Government.
Controversial statements
UPFA General Secretary and Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister, Mahinda Amaraweera told the Sunday Observer: he has also held discussions with the SLFP group in the Government, as the President has instructed them to move forward as a National Unity Government without creating confrontations between the SLFP and the UNP. We are two different political parties and hold completely different political ideologies. The President has already advised the SLFP group in the Government not to act in a manner to destabilize the country. The UNP hierarchy has also pledged they would advise their MPs not to make any controversial statements which would cause damage to the unity of the Yahapalana Government. Actually, most of these statements are made by the newly elected MPs in the two parties. Sometimes, they may resort to such remarks due to lack of political maturity and experience. I believe, such issues will not come up in the future.
The Minister categorically rejected the claims by certain quarters that the SLFP Ministers in the Government have been sidelined. The Finance Ministry has not made any discrimination against the SLFP Ministers when funds are allocated to their Ministries. Responding to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s claim to topple the Government in 2017, Minister Amaraweera said, apart from an arms struggle , there is no room whatsoever to make such a regime change.
At present, the SLFP maintains the view that it should contest the upcoming Local Government polls under the ‘Hand’ symbol. However, the SLFP would take a decision, after discussions with the UNP. The SLFP’s decision to separately contest the LG elections will not impact its cohabitation with the UNP, because, both parties have decided to separately contest the LG elections under their respective party banners.
If the Executive Presidency continues to exist, the SLFP will propose President Maithripala Sirisena as the SLFP Presidential Candidate for the next Presidential Election.
However, the President has not made any comment on this, while it is the position maintained by the SLFP group, though no final decision has yet been taken. Neither has it been discussed at the SLFP Central Committee. As SLFP Ministers in the Government, we believe President Maithripala Sirisena is the most suitable candidate to be nominated from the SLFP for the Presidential polls.