The United National Party (UNP) is confronting a significant crisis in the upcoming general election. This year, the UNP is not fielding candidates under its traditional symbol, the elephant, but rather under the gas cylinder symbol—a representation that Ranil Wickremesinghe contested and lost in a previous election. In a notable turn of events, key figures in the party, including UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, Deputy Leader Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Party General Secretary Range Bandara, and Party Chairman Vajira Abeywardena, are not participating in this election. This marks the first instance in UNP history where four individuals in such pivotal roles are absent from the ballot simultaneously.
Recent information from ‘Rajya Crid’ suggests that many who supported Ranil, including UNP representatives running under the gas cylinder symbol, are now contesting the election as part of the New Democratic Front, led by former UNP Minister Ravi Karunanayake. Initially, the symbol of this front was a swan, but it has since been changed to a gas cylinder. Ravi Karunanayake, who previously served as the Finance Minister during the Yahapalana government, faced serious allegations related to a controversial bond issue, which ultimately led to his resignation. The police had even initiated steps for his arrest in connection with those charges.
While preparing the candidate list for the Colombo district, Ravi announced his intention to contest from this area. However, many believed that his past involvement in the bond scandal would hinder his chances of winning in Colombo. Aware of this reality, Ravi devised a strategy to secure a parliamentary seat through the national list instead of contesting directly. He sought to do this by proposing that Azath Salley be allocated a spot on the Colombo list. Ravi stated that he would withdraw his candidacy if Azath requested him to do so.
Following this, Ravi shifted his focus to ensuring his inclusion on the national list. On the last day for finalizing the national list, he approached Shamila Perera, the list’s preparer, took the document in hand, and noted that nine individuals had already been included. Seizing the opportunity, he added his name as the tenth entry and signed the document, leaving the office with a casual farewell to Shamila, stating, “I am leaving.”
If the gas cylinder symbol secures approximately 450,000 votes, Ravi Karunanayake is poised to return to Parliament through the national list. Meanwhile, the Malima government, led by Anura, has promised the public a renewed investigation into the bond scandal, pledging to hold accountable those involved. Should this investigation proceed, Ravi may be called upon to provide testimony regarding the allegations surrounding the bond issue.
