Premadasa Mobilized the Village for the UNP and Mahinda to SLFP
Premadasa orchestrated a remarkable shift in village politics, aligning rural communities with the United National Party (UNP), much to the dismay of his opponents. This strategic manoeuvre, depicted vividly in a poignant cartoon published in the ‘Rajaliya’ paper, symbolized a turning point in Sri Lankan political dynamics.
After Lalith, Gamini, and Premachandra’s failed impeachment attempt against Premadasa, the cartoon depicted him adorned with snakes and vipers, representing his detractors within the government. Despite concerted efforts by Lalith, Gamini, and Premachandra to vilify Premadasa and tarnish his reputation, the SLFP too launched a parallel campaign to uphold his character.
Amidst political turmoil and controversy, Premadasa’s tragic demise marked a pivotal moment in Sri Lankan politics. Allegations of a celebratory champagne party by Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) members at Rosmead Place, accompanied by firecrackers in rural villages, underscored the deep divisions within the political landscape.
The aftermath of Premadasa’s assassination saw unexpected results in the 1993 provincial council elections. Despite expectations of an anti-Premadasa sentiment sweeping the nation, the UNP secured victories across rural areas, leaving the SLFP and other parties in disbelief. This electoral triumph highlighted the UNP’s stronghold in rural territories, previously dominated by the SLFP.
Before 1977, the village was firmly under the control of the SLFP, led by S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike. However, J.R. Jayewardene’s tenure as leader of the UNP marked a concerted effort to reclaim rural support, culminating in Premadasa’s successful initiatives such as the Gam Udava program and rural development projects.
Following Premadasa’s demise, subsequent leaders failed to maintain the UNP’s rural support base. Chandrika Kumaratunga utilized Mahinda Rajapaksa and other village leaders to bolster the SLFP’s presence, relegating the UNP to urban strongholds.
Mahinda Rajapaksa’s emergence as a formidable political force saw him reclaiming the rural support that Premadasa had garnered for the UNP. His success in mobilizing rural voters earned him the moniker “Game Baiya,” signifying his prowess in village politics.
Despite challenges faced by the UNP, leaders like Sajith Premadasa endeavoured to regain lost ground in rural constituencies, albeit amidst controversies such as the bond scandal and the Easter attacks. The electoral figures from the 2019 presidential election underscored the enduring influence of rural voters, reflecting Mahinda Rajapaksa’s continued dominance in these areas.
The following table shows it clearly
Due to Gotabaya’s fertilizer policy, Mahinda’s neighbouring village nearly slipped from his grasp. The Rajapaksas, facing this challenge, withdrew from their stronghold in the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) by endorsing Ranil as President. As Mahinda’s influence waned in the village, the legacy of Premadasa, once buried by Mahinda’s political manoeuvres, began to resurface and was fueled by Sajith’s ascent to the opposition leadership.
In 1977, Ranasinghe Premadasa, following in the footsteps of S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, tirelessly worked to win over neighbouring villages and elevate his image. He brought development initiatives directly to rural areas, establishing garment industries, launching the ‘Janasaviya’ program, and earning the trust of rural communities. Meanwhile, JR Jayewardene focused on urban development, creating free trade zones primarily in Colombo and Gampaha. Premadasa’s vision extended to the Koggala Free Trade Zone and the Southern Expressway, projects crucial for rural connectivity and economic growth, tragically halted by his untimely death.
The villages fondly recall Premadasa’s efforts to uplift their communities and the nation at large. However, subsequent UNP leaders, like Wijetunga and Ranil, distanced themselves from Premadasa’s legacy, abandoning his programs. This void allowed Mahinda to capitalize on rural dissatisfaction, especially by 2004 when villagers sought a leader akin to Premadasa amidst discontent with Chandrika’s economic policies. Mahinda, with Basil’s strategic guidance, effectively appealed to the villages through infrastructure projects and rural economic initiatives.
Chandrika’s departure from her parents’ economic principles towards UNP policies, and Gotabhaya’s confrontational approach towards Mahinda, further alienated the Rajapaksas from rural support. Consequently, the village populace found solace in Mahinda, viewing him as a successor to Premadasa’s legacy. However, today’s villagers have found a new beacon in Sajith Premadasa, who echoes his father’s commitment to rural development.
Sajith’s initiatives, such as providing digital classrooms, enhancing healthcare facilities, and engaging directly with rural communities, have reignited the villagers’ affinity for the Premadasa name. The question lingers: can Sajith reclaim the village from Mahinda’s grip? While uncertain, Sajith’s ability to connect with rural folk, speak their language and address their concerns, positions him as a formidable contender for rural support. If he continues to engage deeply with the village, capturing their hearts and minds may not be an insurmountable task.