Following the setback of the 2000 general elections, the revolt against UNP leader Ranil marked a significant upheaval within the opposition. Spearheaded by deputy leaders Karu Jayasuriya and Gamini Athukorala, this rebellion stemmed from Ranil’s overseas travels, notably to Norway, without making any efforts to challenge Chandrika’s government. Professor Gamini Lakshman Peiris, also known as G.L., catalyzed the collapse of Chandrika’s administration amidst internal strife within the UNP leadership.
Before 1994, Western powers, particularly the United States, had aligned with the UNP. However, GL’s efforts to forge closer ties between Chandrika, the PM candidate, and these nations shifted the dynamics. The 1994 elections saw Western pressure for a fair electoral process, with American Ambassador Teplitz ensuring Mahinda’s security post-victory. GL’s alliance with Chandrika saw policy shifts influenced by leftist professors associated with the Freedom Party, though electoral success remained elusive.
Recognizing the need for international business support, GL proposed contemporary policy adjustments, garnering Chandrika’s endorsement. Ranil, aware of GL’s manifesto efforts, exploited UNP allies within Anura’s Freedom Party to appropriate GL’s proposals as UNP’s own. Despite this, Chandrika emerged victorious.
In the aftermath, Ranil faced pressure from Western powers and India to endorse GL’s communal problem resolution package. To bolster support, GL orchestrated defections from UNP to back the initiative. Ranil’s attempts to thwart GL’s proposals in the Parliamentary Select Committee failed, escalating tensions. Ranil’s discontent heightened when GL, as Minister of State for Finance, secured relief and aid from Washington.
GL’s alignment with Chandrika demonstrated an alternative to UNP’s touted capabilities, further irking Ranil.
The rift between Chandrika and GL emerged swiftly, leaving him disheartened as Chandrika overlooked him. Ranil found himself isolated amidst the turmoil within the UNP. In a clandestine move, GL and SLFP General Secretary S.B. negotiated with Mahinda Rajapaksa, orchestrating a rebellion against Chandrika’s regime. Despite Mahinda’s reluctance to withdraw from the government, he supported the uprising. Consequently, Chandrika’s government crumbled in 2001.
Ranil, on the verge of losing his position as opposition and party leader, ascended to the role of Prime Minister. GL spearheaded Ranil’s peace efforts for the Sri Lankan government. However, when Ranil breached trust during peace talks, GL felt shattered. Despite relentless efforts in Oslo, GL persuaded Balasingham to agree to a federal settlement, unbeknownst to LTTE’s political wing leader Tamil Selvam and other delegates. Balasingham’s announcement of the agreement alarmed Prabhakaran, leading to suspicion and disruption of the peace talks.
Ranil came to realize that GL was not merely an academic but a strategist akin to himself. Despite being Ranil’s mentor, Ranil hesitated to learn from GL’s political tactics. Following Ranil’s assumption of office in 2002, GL and S.B. initiated two impeachment motions against Chandrika and Chief Justice Sarath Silva to prevent Parliament dissolution and rally Sri Lankan MPs. Ranil disapproved of their actions, straining their relationship.
While Ranil adopted a passive approach to politics, GL actively shaped political outcomes. Following Mahinda’s defeat in the 2015 presidential election, GL emerged as a vocal critic of President Maithripala. Recognizing GL’s strategic acumen, the Rajapaksa family appointed him president of the Podujana Peramuna. Despite Mahinda’s collaborative history with GL, Gotabhaya sought to leverage Ranil’s expertise. However, when the Rajapaksa family and Ranil attempted to maneuver the presidency, GL proposed Dullas as a presidential candidate, garnering opposition support and thwarting their plans.
As Ranil assumed the presidency, internal dissent within the Samagi Jana Balawegaya weakened the opposition. Sensing an opportunity, JVP vied for the main opposition role, while Sajith struggled to maintain party unity against Ranil loyalists. Notably, foreign connections enabled GL to highlight the repression under Ranil’s government to international entities, aligning with Sajith’s stance. Ranil, fearing GL’s influence and the potential alliance with Samagi Jana Balawegaya, attempted to co-opt opposition members for international conferences, only to be countered by GL’s diplomatic messages exposing his deceit.
The clash between Ranil and GL epitomized a strategic battle, reminiscent of the legendary Guthtila-Musila conflict, where Guthtila emerged victorious.
