Old Karu Returns with Familiar Slogan
Trump’s Tax Hike Threatens Sri Lanka’s Economy
Vijitha Heads to Geneva to Prevent Sanctions on Sri Lanka
Chinese Backlash and Government’s Deception
UNP Faces Inevitable Defeat in LG Elections
Maithri Reunites with Ranil
Army Chiefs Reunite
Last week, a remarkable photo surfaced on social media, showing 11 former army commanders together. Given recent concerns over rising underworld activities and accusations from the opposition about threats to national security, this image drew significant public attention.
Adding to the intrigue, the photo featured several former commanders who were known for their past rivalries. Notably, Sarath Fonseka, Mahesh Senanayake, and Daya Ratnayake had previously clashed politically. Fonseka’s departure from the SJB was reportedly linked to the opposition leader’s decision to include Daya Ratnayake in the party. Despite these past tensions, seeing them standing together in the same frame was significant, particularly for those in the security forces.
As speculation grew, many sought to uncover the context behind the gathering. However, it was soon clarified that the meeting had nothing to do with national security or efforts to curb underworld crime. Instead, it was a customary event held to mark the appointment of a new army commander. According to tradition, all living former army commanders are invited to a gathering when a new commander takes office. This particular event was organized by the newly appointed Army Commander, Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigue, and was notable for bringing together all the former commanders in attendance.
The old man is back
All presidents elected since 1994 used the slogan ‘abolishing the presidency’ once elected. Mrs. Chandrika Kumaranatunga in 1994 even signed an understanding with JVP to this effect however during he tenure of 11 years she could not fulfil this. Her successor Mahinda Rajapakse could not do this during his tenure of 10 years despite promises being made to get elected.
In 2015, the most powerful role in this country was played by none other than Venerable Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero. While Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero was touring the country with Maithri-Ranil at the forefront, he was saying that the executive presidency system would be abolished under the Good Governance government. Despite the Good Governance government coming to power, neither Maithri nor Ranil abolished the executive presidency. Even though Gotabaya and Ranil served as presidents after Maithri, they also did not fulfil the promise they made to the country to abolish the executive presidency system.
In the 2024 presidential election, Malimawa and Anura too made promises to abolish the presidency. Anura was very vocal on this promise in the south as well as in the Northern Province. However despite there being no sign of an abolishment we hear about the drafting of a new constitution.
However certain fraction has begun to raise the cry for the ablution presidency led by the former chairman of UNP Karu Jayasooriya. We recall that Karu took up this slogan with the sudden death of Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero. But after that, instead of continuing to pursue this forward, Karu demonstrated the abolition of the executive presidency is a weapon that he would bring out at any time he wanted and then put back in the box.
When Ranil Wickremesinghe was elected president after the struggle, thanks to the help of parliament, Karu unwaveringly supported Ranil’s government, but at no time did he try to get Ranil to abolish the executive presidency. Instead, Karu went after Ranil to get his son-in-law to be appointed as a governor. He steadily helped Ranil to postpone the local government elections by holding the chairmanship of various committees. He appointed his friends to positions in the presidential office and offered them various privileges including high salaries, luxury vehicles, etc.
However, Karu, who did not say a word about abolishing the executive presidency during Ranil’s period of presidency, also supported Ranil, knowing that he would lose the presidential election, and now has brought out Sobitha Thero’s slogan of abolishing the executive presidency to the fray once again. ‘Inside Politics’ highlighted Kaur’s sinister motives to back Ranil in the Presidential election and now with his defeat hold the slogan up and raise the voice to abolish the presidency.
On this occasion, Karu has rallied with former President Chandrika heads of the Bar association and representatives of some political parties. The reason behind Karu’s sudden excitement to bring up this slogan once again is he had learned that Anura Kumara who was on the stage with Sobitha Thero in 2015 is now getting ready to draft a new constitution.
It is said that the government plans to carry out a major revision of the executive presidency under a new constitution. Accordingly, many believe that Karu has once again brought out this proposal with the aim of laying the groundwork for the abolition of the executive presidency. Accordingly, once again, Karu and his group, wearing white shirts and white sarongs, have come out to forcefully board the train that Anura has boarded to abolish the powers of the executive presidency.
Vijitha in Geneva?
Since the end of the Civil War in 2009 Sri Lankan government has faced different issues at the UN Human Rights Council in March held in Geneva, Switzerland. Since 2009 Sri Lankan officials at the forefront in stopping the war have been charged with human rights violations charges. This surfaced each year in and around March, On this occasion the government in power has decided to adopt a different approach than in previous years.
The normal trend in the past has been for officials to participate in this meeting however this occasion the government parting with this practice decided to send the foreign minister Vijitha Hearath to this meeting to lead Sri Lankan delegation.
There is a special reason for this move of the government. Usually, two Geneva sessions are held a year, one in March and the other in September. Last September session saw Sri Lanka was engaged in a very heated and decisive, discussion. Plans were made to adopt a resolution against Sri Lanka. Upon receiving information that it was a very dangerous resolution, Ranil Wickremesinghe’s government had taken steps to pay special attention to it. In particular, the government thought that if the Geneva Human Rights Council adopted this resolution, it would have a very adverse effect on the discussions of the International Monetary Fund that were underway at that time. Ranil pulled a trump card to escape that trap.
In that session Ranil’s government had requested the Geneva Human Rights Commission to postpone the proposal by a year, as 2024 is an election year, to allow the new president and government to take decisions in this regard. Going by international politics, generally, no hard decisions are taken regarding countries during an election period, following that tradition, the Geneva Human Rights Commission also agreed to this request about Sri Lanka and postponed the proposal by a year.
Serious proposal
Accordingly, the Geneva resolution on Sri Lanka, which was postponed for a year, is scheduled to come to the fore once again in September this year. In this regard, last year, we made a special disclosure through the ‘Inside politics’ column and said that this resolution could have a very adverse effect on Sri Lanka and that Britain, which is considered a powerful state, is behind the resolution. Britain is currently ruled by a Labour Party government.
Tamil diaspora in the country made a strong contribution to bringing this Labour Party government to power. Unlike the Conservative Party that was in power in the past, this Labour Party focuses strongly on human rights. Although the Conservative Party worked closely with the then Sri Lankan government, the Labour Party government did not have such a close relationship with the Malama government. Therefore, many are sceptical that the current British Labour Party government, which empowers the Tamil diaspora, will present a very difficult resolution against Sri Lanka to the Human Rights Council in September. The political arena believes that this is why the Malima government, breaking tradition and having the government’s Foreign Minister to participate in the Geneva meeting this time.
However, there are several unfulfilled promises made by previous governments to the Geneva Human Rights Commission. These include the promise to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act and the Office for the Search of Missing Persons. However, the previous governments have failed to implement both of these proposals. The Office for the Search of Missing Persons, which was established to search for missing persons, has failed to find any of the missing persons, and it has now become only a nominal institution. Accordingly, if the current government wants to continue cooperating with the Geneva Commission and to prevent a very dangerous proposal from being submitted against Sri Lanka, it must repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act. The Office for the Search for Missing Persons must be made active.
Minister Vijitha Herath stated that he is ready to establish a domestic mechanism to investigate the allegations of human rights violations against Sri Lanka at this year’s Geneva Conference.
However, the extent to which these statements will be successful will be seen in the proposal to be submitted to the Geneva Human Rights Commission regarding Sri Lanka in September. Therefore, many believe that the current government should ensure that it does not make broken promises during this period and fulfils the promises it makes to the international community.
Will Trump Get Sri Lanka Into Trouble?
Last week, the ‘Inside Politics’ column stated that the new US government led by Donald Trump is preparing to impose large-scale tariffs on other countries in the world. The Trump government has already moved in this direction to impose high tariffs on countries such as China, Mexico, and Canada, and we had mentioned that Sri Lanka could also be on the next list.
‘Inside Politics’ column, has received information that Trump is currently preparing a list of new countries that should be subject to such tariffs. Trump is using a very simple criterion. That is, to impose higher tariffs on countries from which the United States imports more goods in international trade and discourage those imports. The aim is to increase the exports of goods from the US to those countries and maintain the import-export gap at an equal level.
Turump’s new list
Trump plans to unveil this new list on April 2nd, and many believe that Sri Lanka will be included in this list. The reason for this is that there is a large gap between the goods Sri Lanka imports from the US and the goods Sri Lanka exports to the US. The value of goods Sri Lanka imports from the US is US $ 0.5 billion. However, the US is a major buyer of Sri Lankan exports, with an annual value of US $ 2.5 billion. In particular, the US is the main buyer of Sri Lankan garments. Accordingly, the US’s import-export gap with Sri Lanka is more than US $ 2 billion. Against this background, many people point out that Trump will also include Sri Lanka in the next list of tariffs to minimize this trade gap. Accordingly, some predict that the US will impose a 25% tariff on Sri Lanka, while others point out that it could be a 100% tariff. Accordingly, economic analysts that if Sri Lanka is included in this US tariff list, Sri Lanka’s export sector will face a major collapse.
In our research on this matter, we could see a similar situation that had arisen between neighbouring India and the United States in the past. While India also exports most of its goods to the United States, it imports goods of a lower value from the United States. However, in a study conducted by India regarding Trump’s new economic policy, India realized this and immediately increased its imports from the United States and took steps to minimize the import-export gap with the United States. Accordingly, India has been able to manage the crisis by now. However, Sri Lanka cannot suddenly increase its imports from the United States in such a way, and it does not have a large amount of dollars to spend on it. Accordingly, if Sri Lanka is included in Trump’s next tariff list, it will undoubtedly be a fatal blow to Sri Lanka, which is trying to recover from bankruptcy.
The inside Politics column highlights this which does not come from other sources. This is an effort to enlighten the people about the looming crisis ahead.
China unhappy
Inside Politics column highlights another international crisis that looms. A crisis arose after the President visited China. During and after the visit to China, the people who saw the news released by the government said that China was preparing to rebuild Sri Lanka. That China was preparing to lend a hand to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery. Since this news was spread the government had signed 78 agreements during the president’s visit to China, and since it was stated that a large amount of the aid was received as grants. After the news was released people also began to believe it.
But what has happened now? What happened to the 78 agreements that were said to be signed with China?
Information we receive, says that the government is also in a state of confusion regarding the signing of these agreements. ‘Inside Politics’ column has learned that during Anura’s visit to China, the government received several messages from several countries, including India and the United States. They wanted to know the agreements the government to implement with China. As we reported through the ‘inside politics’ column several other countries, including the United States and India, were watching the outcomes of Anura’s visit to China very closely. This column mentioned that they were ready to respond to the agreements the government and China were making.
During Aura’s visit to China, China had paid close attention to obtaining permission for the Chinese research vessels to once again enter Sri Lankan waters in the Indian Ocean region. Until Gotabaya’s rule, Chinese research vessels entered Sri Lankan waters despite strong opposition from India. However, Ranil Wickremesinghe, who came to power after Gota, banned Chinese research vessels from entering Sri Lankan waters for a year, under Indian influence. The one-year ban ended on December 31st. Accordingly, China was preparing to enter into a new agreement with Anura’s government regarding research vessels during his visit to China.
78 Chinese proposals stalled?
Many proposals were made during the discussions in this regard and the President had also taken steps to respond favorably to them. The government also took steps to appoint a committee to study the matter. Accordingly, the Chinese government was also hoping that Chinese ships would be allowed to enter Sri Lankan waters as promised by the President. Especially since this is an issue affecting China’s pride, needed a quick response by China.
But since there is no response from the government on this matter, the ‘Inside Politics’ column has heard that China has taken a tough decision. That is to temporarily suspend all agreements that were to be entered into with the Sri Lankan government. Although the government spoke highly of the outcomes of Anura’s visit to China after his visit to China ended, the government has not made any noise about it due to China suspending them. Implications of this Chinese move is that the economic benefits that were said to be received from China somewhat weakened.
The information we have suggests that a diplomatic letter from China reminding us of this is likely to be received within the next few days or that a high-ranking Chinese official is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka. In addition, there is a risk that the US will impose tariffs targeting Sri Lanka in the future. This implies that the country’s future economy has already begun to show signs of going into a bit of a crisis.
Wimal’s list
These days, the government is constantly releasing various lists of names. The first list of names released by the government was the list of names of businessmen who obtained bar licenses from Ranil’s government. However, the government did not take steps to release the list of names of MPs recommended by the businessmen for that purpose. After that, the government published the list of names of former MPs and ministers who received money from the President’s Fund. Later, the government released the list of names of MPs who received compensation for their houses that were burned during the struggle. Then came the release of the list of names of officials who received money and government vehicles as Ranil’s advisors.
Following the government’s list, Donald Trump president of the US too released a list. This was able to shake the government. It was a list of names of politicians and officials in this country, government and non-government institutions provided by the U.S. Aid organization, which operated under the American government. Although we received the list of names via WhatsApp, we did not publish it publicly as no one has verified its accuracy.
However, former Minister Wimal Weerawansa, who appeared on the Hiru Channel’s “Salakna” program last week, made a special revelation in this regard. When journalists including Chamuditha Samarawickrama continuously questioned Wimal about this, Wimal released the list of names without any editing. This is the list of names that Wimal revealed there.
Mangala Samaraweera, Mano Thittawella, Malik Samarawickrama, Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sagala Ratnayake, Rosy Senanayake, Vajira Abeywardena, Neranjan Devaditya, Harini Amarasuriya, Hassana Segu Isadeen, Rosanna Flammer Caldera, Jake Orloff, Harsha de Silva, Iran Wickramaratne, Rohan Samarajeewa, Sujatha Gamage, Indi Samarajeewa, Dhananath Fernando, Murthafa Jeffery, Ashraf Omar, Ajith Gunawardena, Ruchi Gunawardena, Otara Gunawardena, Channa de Silva, Lakshman Bandaranaike, Shehara de Silva, Prasad Perera, Nishan de Mel, Charendra Chandrasena, Ranjan Ramanayake, Hirunika Premachandra, W.A. Wijewardene, Ashoka Handagama, Renford Malcolm Caldera, Dinesh Chandrasena, Anura Bandaranaike, Sharman De Rose, Jayanthi Kuru Uthumpala, Chanu Nimesha, Sonali Deraniyagala, Mary Ann Mohanraj, Shyam Selvadurai, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam are the names mentioned in the list.
UNP bereaved
The Election Commission is set to meet again next week to decide on the date for the local government elections that have been postponed for several years. Although the commission had planned to meet last Thursday and decide on the election date, they did not take that decision on that day. Accordingly, it is understood that the commission is ready to announce the election date next week.
However, it is noted that all parties have already planned to start their campaign activities targeting the local government elections. In particular, the SJB, as the main opposition, has already convened nomination boards and completed the selection of candidates for the local government elections in their respective districts. Opposition Leader Sajith and Party General Secretary Ranjith Maddumabandara have already started campaigning by travelling around the country. Also, last week, Sajith took steps to hold a two-day workshop for all MPs to prepare the party for the local government elections.
But the UNP is facing a big problem. This is because they have a situation where they are unable to find a candidate to field from the UNP in the village. Ranil, who had understood this in advance, had planned to somehow start discussions with the SJB and unite the two parties and field UNP candidates from the SJB list for the LG election. Through this, Ranil planned to cover up the UNP’s inability to find candidates in the village. But by now, the plan for the SJB and the UNP to contest together has ended and the SJB has decided to contest the local government election alone. Accordingly, the UNP is currently in a situation where it is unable to find a candidate for the local government election.
On the other hand, selecting candidates for this election is not easy. A certain quota must be allocated for women. It must be allocated for the youth. Although the SJB has no problem with it, there is no sign of the youth or women in the village requesting nominations from the UNP or any interest to do so. For this reason, the ‘inside politics’ column has also heard that some UNP leaders who were in the UNP-SJB peace negotiation committees are constantly making phone calls to SJB MPs these days and presenting various proposals for reunification.
We also hear that certain individuals from the UNP, who have been accused of serious corruption, are currently going to the homes of SJB leaders under the guise of peace representatives and holding discussions. Their only request is that something be done to reunite these two parties, otherwise the end of the UNP cannot be prevented. ‘Inside Politics’ column also heard that Ranil also informed UNP Chairman Vajira to look into this matter last week.
Something wrong with Maithri
In the meantime, an incident that made me laugh when I heard it happened last week. That was that former President Maithripala also participated in a discussion chaired by Ranil. Although Maithri and Ranil formed the Good Governance government in 2015, with the Central Bank bond scam, Maithri and Ranil were at odds and were publicly at odds from the beginning. Maithri was seen bringing Ranil in on several occasions and scolding him in front of a large crowd. Finally, Maithri kicked Ranil out of the prime ministership and took steps to give Mahinda the prime ministership. It ended when Ranil and his group went to court against Maithri and regained the prime minister’ ship. In the end, the Good Governance government was pulled in two directions like a bull and a buffalo and ended up carving Gota’s path to power.
It is to see Maithri and Ranil, who were at a serious rift, now come together and sit and discuss.
Meanwhile, special information has been reported in the ‘Inside politics’ column regarding Basil, who is considered the mastermind of the Pohottuwa. Basil is in Los Angeles in the United States and has been contacting the party’s seniors regarding the local government elections from there. Accordingly, it is also learned that Basil is supervising the nominations in every district.
In addition, the ‘Inside politics’ column hears that four SJB MPs are following the government’s powerful people and making various demands. There, they have specifically informed the government’s powerful people not to release any lists that are released, including the list of MPs who obtained bar licenses during Ranil’s rule or the list of MPs who received funds from Ranil. It is also reported that these four MPs have even sent messages to the President through various channels, stating that their political future will be over if the list is released.
