In the 2005 presidential elections, Prabhakaran chose to boycott Ranil, aware that Karuna Amman, who was a key supporter of Ranil, had defected from his camp. A pivotal error made by Prabhakaran was sending Karuna Amman to the negotiating table in 2002. During peace talks in Thailand, Ranil orchestrated a trap for Karuna Amman. Two key figures were involved: Gamini Abeyratne, then Director of Katunayake Airport, and Ali Zaheer Maulana, a Minister of State in Ranil’s government. Ali Zaheer, a neighbor of Karuna, had previously mentioned that he enrolled his children in Colombo schools at Karuna Amman’s request. He also informed Ranil about the growing rift between Prabhakaran and Karuna Amman during the peace talks. Gamini Abeyratne befriended Karuna Amman at the airport and later accompanied him to nightclubs in Thailand, where they socialized late into the night. When the conflict between Karuna and Prabhakaran escalated, Karuna fled to Colombo in Ali Zaheer Maulana’s vehicle. Prabhakaran was aware of these maneuvers and chose to seek revenge against Ranil for betraying his closest ally.
The Rajapaksas recognized Ranil’s role in dividing Prabhakaran and Karuna, ultimately leading to the downfall of the LTTE. They supported Ranil’s presidency partly because they believed he would weaken and dismantle the insurgency. Ranil succeeded in this, further creating discord within the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) by exploiting bar licenses. Several TNA leaders, including ITAK leader Sreedharan, received these licenses. As a result, these leaders are now backing an independent candidate to prevent Sajith, Ranil’s rival, from garnering TNA votes.
Ranil’s actions, including the rupture with Karuna Amman, have significantly impacted his political standing. Whether he can regain Tamil support in the upcoming presidential election will be closely observed.
