{"id":42366,"date":"2015-07-28T23:27:55","date_gmt":"2015-07-29T03:27:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dbsjeyaraj.com\/dbsj\/?p=42366"},"modified":"2015-07-28T23:27:55","modified_gmt":"2015-07-29T03:27:55","slug":"internal-power-struggle-intensifies-within-the-tamil-national-alliance-between-three-factions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dbsjeyaraj.com\/dbsj\/?p=42366","title":{"rendered":"Internal Power Struggle Intensifies Within the Tamil National Alliance Between Three Factions"},"content":{"rendered":"


\nBy<\/p>\n

Rasika Jayakody <\/strong><\/p>\n

The Tamil National Alliance, the largest Tamil political party in the country is expected to play a crucial role in the new Parliament over the next five years. Political observers have already predicted that the party will obtain nearly 15 seats from the North as the party has hardly any competition in the province. The TNA’s share in Parliament will play a pivotal role on deciding the ruling party of the country if mainstream parties fail to secure a simple majority in the legislature.<\/p>\n

It was against this backdrop that the TNA launched its election manifesto in Jaffna on Saturday, at an event attended by party leader R. Sampanthan and several other Parliamentarians. The launch of the TNA’s manifesto was politically significant as the party, in the document, laid out its aspirations in terms of devolution of power. The TNA, in its election manifesto, stressed the need of self-determination for Tamils in the North in keeping with United Nations International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights and Economic, Social and Cultural rights.<\/p>\n

In addition, the TNA also reiterated its adherence to re-merger of the Northern and Eastern Provinces under federal structure as part of its preferred political solution to the North-East problem. While pointing out that Tamil-speaking Muslims would be entitled to be beneficiaries of “all power-sharing arrangements in the North-East,” the TNA manifesto said, “This will no way inflict any disability on any people.”<\/p>\n

“I am hopeful that they will realise that majoritarianism is not a solution to the country’s national problem,” TNA Leader R. Sampanthan said, speaking at the launch of the party’s manifesto. Asked by journalists whether the TNA would make the acceptance of its demands as a pre-condition to getting its support after the election, the TNA leader said his party would engage with everyone and its approach would be “positive and constructive.” The TNA manifesto also called for the release of the report on alleged war crimes in Sri Lanka by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

As the TNA supported President Maithripala Sirisena at the last Parliamentary election, many believe the TNA has a soft-corner of some sort towards the political alliance led by the UNP. There are some who are of the strong belief that there would be a political marriage between the TNA and the Good Governance Front after the Parliamentary election on August 17, allowing Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to form a majority government with ease. Over the past few months, the TNA has intervened in matters concerning national politics of the country including the removal of “de facto” Chief Justice Mohan Pieris and passage of the 19th Amendment in Parliament. TNA Parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran is a strong advocate of the idea of good governance upon which President Sirisena’s government was formed on January 09.<\/p>\n

Therefore, some political observers state that the TNA’s election manifesto would be detrimental to the Good Governance Front especially when trying to attract Sinhala-Buddhist areas in the south. Although the idea of a Federal state was in existence among Tamil political leaders over the past seven decades, it is still anathema to the majority of voters in the South.<\/p>\n

TNA’s internal power struggle<\/strong><\/p>\n

It is important to understand the backdrop against which the TNA’s election manifesto was launched. Clearly, there are three power-blocs in the party and its internal divisions are no longer invisible. One bloc in party is led by R. Sampanthan and M. Sumanthiran who are known among the party rank and file as “moderates”. Then there is another bloc led by relatively hardcore ex-MPs such as Suresh Premachandran and mavai Senathirajah. Of late, there was a third power-bloc developed around Northern Province Chief Minister C. V. Vigneswaran who was, at the initial stages, an ally of Sampanthan and Sumanthiran. Over the past few months, there was a cold war between the Vigneswaran bloc and Sampanthan-Sumanthiran bloc.
\nAs Chief Minister Vigneswaran’s popularity grew in the North over the past few years, a sizable proportion of party activists are now backing him, considering he would be a better candidate for the party leadership. In the recent past, Vigneswaran took strong positions on problems concerning the Tamils and even locked horns with leaders such as Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. The TNA, as a political party, is already facing serious problems due to internecine power struggles in the party.<\/p>\n

Therefore, the party’s election manifesto, this year, came at a critical juncture. On the one hand, the party had to send a positive message to its electorate indicating that it had not deviated from its original stance on the Tamil problem. On the other hand, the party had to unite all internal factions ahead of a crucial election that will decide the party’s bargaining power in the country’s politics for the next five years. At the same time, the party had to cater to the sentiments of Tamil Diaspora who is becoming impatient over inquiries into alleged war crimes during the final phase of war and delays in formulating a solid political solution. Therefore, the TNA was compelled to touch upon certain “sensitive areas” (especially to the Sinhala community) when formulating its election manifesto.<\/p>\n

Interestingly, Northern Province Chief Minister was the notable absentee at the launch of the TNA manifesto. The Chief Minister’s absence came in a context where he is rapidly becoming the apple of the Tamil Diaspora’s eye.<\/p>\n

It is also important to examine the ideas expressed by some key Tamil Diaspora organizations as to how the Tamils in the North should vote at the Parliamentary election. Visuvanathan Rudrakumaran, Prime Minister of the Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam, in a statement a few days ago, voiced the sentiments of his organization over the election.<\/p>\n

“The TGTE is not going to suggest which party people should vote for at this parliamentary election. Following the elections, the stage will be set for the Tamil nation to intensify its struggle to win Tamil rights along a political and diplomatic path. There will be a need to fiercely resist the efforts to water down the scope of the international investigation against Tamil genocide into a domestic process. Such a struggle will call for the united effort of all Tamils, those from the Eelam Tamil homeland, the Diaspora, those from Tamil Nadu and indeed the world Tamils. Therefore it is necessary to elect this time only those who will work sincerely for the rights of the Tamil people. The policies and positions put forward by all candidates at these elections should be carefully scrutinized by the electors. The coherence between their words and their deeds should be intensely observed.<\/p>\n

Any political solution must be based on the Thimphu Principles. We welcome the way the Chief Minister of the Northern Provincial Council (NPC), Justice Vigneswaran, underscored this position recently.”<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Global Tamil Forum, the largest Tamil Diaspora organization operating in Europe, has expressed a position, while backing the TNA’s stand. It is evident that the GTF has now adopted a flexible policy when it comes to dealing with the Sri Lankan government on problems faced by the Tamil community. In a way, the GTF has given the green light to the TNA to work hand in hand with the Sri Lankan Government to find solutions to their problems.<\/p>\n

“The resolution of the Tamil problem invariably will involve meaningful negotiations between the Government of Sri Lanka, the elected representatives of the Tamil people and other relevant stakeholders, and it is the expectation of the GTF that the International Community too will play a constructive role in this process. In this context, the Parliamentarians elected by the Tamil people will have multiple roles to play, and these include addressing their constituents’ concerns at the electorate level and articulating and negotiating on behalf of the Tamil community as a whole – be it at the Sri Lankan Parliament, with various international governments or non-governmental organisations.<\/p>\n

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has earned the recognition and respect of the Tamils, the representatives of other communities in Sri Lanka and the key international players including India, by carefully and consistently articulating the concerns, grievances and aspirations of the Tamil people and through their several, overwhelming election victories in the recent past. GTF works closely with TNA as the elected representatives of our people, and our partnership has been crucial in some of the diplomatic initiatives and achievements made in our adopted countries as well as at international institutions such as the UNHRC,” a statement issued by the GTF, on Saturday, said.<\/p>\n

UPFA manifesto launch demonstrate party’s divisions<\/strong><\/p>\n

The United People’s Freedom Alliance is trying hard to resolve its internal issues and contest the election as a united force. As part of their plan, the UPFA invited President Maithripala Sirisena to attend the launch of the coalition’s election manifesto. The invitation was sent to President Sirisena by the party officials while he was preparing for his official visit to the Maldives. Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, as the head of the elections operations committee of the UPFA, was also scheduled to attend the event.<\/p>\n

President Sirisena however, did not attend the event as he has already pledged to refrain from sharing the same stage with former President Rajapaksa. President Sirisena made this promise when he met key civil society representatives at the Presidential Secretariat, a few days ahead of his special statement on the UPFA nominations.<\/p>\n

As a result, the UPFA election manifesto, titled “A Guarantee For The Future” (anagathayata sahathikayak) was presented to the UPFA Chairman President Maithripala Sirisena at his residence on Tuesday morning. UPFA General Secretary Susil Premajayantha presented the Sinhalese copy to Sirisena and SLFP General Secretary Anura Priyadarshana Yapa presented the Tamil copy. Representing stakeholders of the UPFA alliance, SLFP Spokesperson Dilan Perera, Mahajana Eksath Peramuna leader Dinesh Gunawardena, Former MP A.H.M. Fowzie, LSSP General Secretary Prof. Tissa Vitharana, Communist Party General Secretary DEW Gunasekara were among those who attended the event. The manifesto was handed over to the President before its official launch at Henry Pedris in Colombo in the presence of former President Rajapaksa.<\/p>\n

The UPFA seniors who presented the manifesto to the President held a discussion with him on the development programs to be implemented under a UPFA government during the next five years.<\/p>\n

Interestingly, some of the prominent figures of the UPFA were absent at the launch of the party’s manifesto. The notable absentees were Opposition Leader Nimal Siripala de Silva, John Seneviratne and S.B. Dissanayake. The absence of some of the key UPFA seniors was a concern for supporters who attended the event. Even Rajapaksa, who chaired the event, seemed disappointed over the fact that key figures of his campaign had dodged the manifesto launch.<\/p>\n

It is quite evident that the UPFA is not in a position to alienate President Maithripala Sirisena as the coalition needs the latter’s support to form a government after the election. The President has already announced his commitment to form a national government while his b\u00eate noire, former President Rajapaksa, has ruled out the possibility of a national government. It is widely believeed that the President will get a section of the UPFA MPs to join hands with the UNP-led alliance and form a national government after the election. However, that will also depend on the UNP’s share in the new Parliament.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, addressing the launch of the UPFA manifesto, former President Rajapaksa said the UPFA was one team and there was one “faction” in the party. Commenting on the national government proposed by his party Chairman, Rajapaksa said the UNP was talking about a national government as the party was facing a defeat.<\/p>\n

“The last six months gave an excellent indication of what could happen under a UNP government. It would be disastrous to hand over the country to the UNP for 60 months,” Rajapaksa said.<\/p>\n

The President’s inclination to form a national government is the biggest obstacle standing in the way of Rajapaksa. Even if he secures a majority in Parliament, the President can still lure a section of UPFA Parliamentarians in to form a national government. To prevent such a development, Rajapaksa has to make sure that none of President Sirisena’s loyalists get elected to the new Parliament. It is practically impossible as nearly 40 percent of the UPFA candidates are supporters of President Sirisena and former President Kumaratunga. The UPFA, as a coalition cannot secure a simple majority in Parliament if they leave Sirisena-Kumaratunga loyalists out of the equation.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, President Sirisena, in his capacity as the party Chairman, has appointed several new electorate organizers for the UPFA. Last week, he appointed Chandana Katriarachchi as the Co-organizer of Kesbewa electorate alongside Gamini Lokuge. Former Deputy Minister and Kumaratunga loyalist Katriarachchi and Rajapaksa ally Lokuge are known to be political rivals. Katriarachchi\u2019s appointment as the new Co-organizer of Kesbewa will severely affect the voter-base of Lokuge. At the same time, Gamini Thilakasiri has been appointed as the Co-organizer for Maharagama and Prasanna Solangaaarachchi as the Co-organizer for Avissawella. By making these new appointments, President Sirisena has shown that he wants to create a level playing field between two factions of the UPFA. It is widely believed that the candidates supporting Rajapaksa have an edge over other UPFA candidates at the election as they are backed by the former President. The President is now attempting to \u201cmitigate\u201d the impact of the Rajapaksa factor by appointing his loyalists as new electorate organizers.<\/p>\n

The President made another interesting decision on Tuesday by deciding to suspend the party membership of Rajitha Senaratne, Arjuna Ranatunga, S.B. Navinna and Hirunika Premachandra. The move left the majority of UPFA supporters in utter confusion as they thought President Sirisena actually wanted to protect those who aligned themselves with the UNP-led alliance. Senaratne, Ranatunga and Premachandra stood by President Sirisena when he challenged Rajapaksa\u2019s presidency in January.<\/p>\n

By suspending their membership, Sirisena circumvented a well-planned \u201ctrap\u201d to remove him from the party Chairman\u2019s position.<\/p>\n

Most of the UPFA seniors urged President Sirisena to convene the party\u2019s Central Committee to make a decision on the membership of those who aligned themselves with the UNP-led Good Governance alliance.On July 15, UPFA Colombo District Candidate Prasanna Solangarachchi, a loyalist of President Sirisena, obtained an order from the Colombo District Court, preventing the party\u2019s Central Committee from convening for 14 days.<\/p>\n

The court order expired on July 23 and three of the party seniors, Opposition Leader Nimal Siripala de Silva, UPFA General Secretary Susil Premajayantha and SLFP General Secretary Anura Priyadarshana Yapa met the President requested him to reconvene the Central Committee before the election. The President, in response, did not make any commitment with regard to the matter.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, a group of pro-Rajapaksa Central Committee members attempted to present an urgent motion to the Central Committee challenging President Sirisena\u2019s position as the SLFP Chairman. The move came in the wake of the statement made by the President announcing his position on the UPFA nominations. Although President Sirisena\u2019s appointment was sanctioned by the party constitution, a resolution against him at the Central Committee would pose a serious threat to President Sirisena.<\/p>\n

Commenting on the moves to suspend his party membership, United National Front candidate Rajitha Senaratne said he was not bothered about such matters. \u201cEven before the Presidential election, my party membership was suspended. After the election, I was appointed as a Vice Chairman of the party. Maithripala Sirisena whose membership was cancelled before the election was appointed as the party Chairman Therefore, this is no big deal. We will regain our positions after the election,\u201d Senaratne said. He indicated that the results of the Parliamentary election would \u201csoften\u201d the stance of those who want to remove them from the party.<\/p>\n

However, by suspending the party membership of Senaratne, Gunawardena, Premachandra and Ranatunga , President Sirisena has \u201ccircumvented\u201d the Central Committee meeting. \u201cNow, there is no need to convene the Central Committee meeting before the election as action have already been taken against those who are contesting election with the UNP. President Sirisena has taken action using his powers as the party Chairman,\u201d a Central Committee member of the party told the Daily News.<\/p>\n

Rohitha\u2019s Caucasian Shepherd<\/strong><\/p>\n

Be that as it may extravagant lifestyle of the first family was a major topic during the last Presidential election.<\/p>\n

The civil society expressed serious concerns over the conduct of the Rajapaksas as they were funded by the country\u2019s tax payers. Especially, the three sons of the former President came under serious criticism from various sections of the society over their expensive hobbies and modes of entertainment. An interesting development took place last week clearly showed that the former first family has still not deviated from their old practices.<\/p>\n

The 112th All Breeds Championship dog show was held at Excel World last week by the Ceylon Kennel Club. Among its participants was the former President\u2019s third son, Rohitha Rajapaksa. He was proudly exhibiting a Caucasian Shepherd, an expensive breed of dogs that is popular in Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and North Caucasus area.
\nIf the Caucasian Shepherd actually belonged to Rajapaksa, it would be a serious indictment on the lifestyle of the former first family. It is one of the most expensive breeds available in Sri Lanka and maintenance of a Caucasian Shepherd costs at least Rs. 55,000 a month. Interestingly, Rohitha Rajapaksa is not employed at any private or state sector institution and does not run any business.<\/p>\n

His only avenue of income is the funds allocated by the government for expenses of the former first family.<\/p>\n

This comes against a backdrop where Rohitha\u2019s father, former Presidnet Rajapaksa, has launched an election campaign to \u201cstart afresh\u201d, while pledging to rectify his old mistakes! One should not forget the stories appeared in media immediately after the last Presidential election that there were Air Conditioned rooms at Temple Trees for highly expensive pets of the former first family. <\/p>\n

Courtesy:Daily News<\/em><\/p>\n

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By Rasika Jayakody The Tamil National Alliance, the largest Tamil political party in the country is expected to play a crucial role in the new Parliament over the next five years. Political observers have already predicted that the party will obtain nearly 15 seats from the North as the party has hardly any competition in …<\/p>\n

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