Sajith Demands ‘No Crossover Pact,’ Despite Welcoming “Tom, Dick & Harry”

Reflecting on the Hysterical Stand-Up by Rowan Atkinson (Mr Bean’s) poignant performance in paying tribute to Tom, Dick and Harry, who tragically passed away, after each of them faced unique challenges: Tom, blind and deaf, contributed to hymns with an unknowing tune. Dick, deaf but sighted, supported Tom and cherished music. Harry, blind and mute but with keen hearing, completed their distinctive trio. Bean ends it asserting that their absence leaves a profound void in our community.

Addressing the media at party office, Dr. Harsha De Silva and Eran Wickramaratne expressed their stance against welcoming every Tom, Dick and Harry responsible for the economic downturn into their party. The two most respected members in the SJB at the moment have commented on recent MPs crossing over to the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), emphasizing their party’s reluctance to unite with those accountable for the economic downturn. Dr. De Silva stressed that those seeking to join their party must uphold cleanliness and be ready to align with their economic policies, rather than introducing failed economic strategies.

The disillusioned and disgruntled former staunch Rajapaksa loyalists, with hopes of mass support from the “6.9 million” shattered, and spurned by the NPP/JVP, are now turning to the Opposition Leader for securing nominations for the upcoming Parliamentary elections. In an interview with a prominent blogger, Dilan Perera, a leader of one of the many divided and scattered splinter groups of Pohottu dissents, revealed that they had approached JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who declined to form an alliance with them. However, Dissanayake has indicated their party’s openness to a potential collaboration, [if the need arises] in forming a government after the elections. It seems the group’s strategy involves securing victory with SJB votes and subsequently orchestrating a departure to join forces with ‘Malimava.’ This move aims to secure ministerial roles under Anura Kumara’s leadership if SJB losses. 

This leaked strategy has prompted Sajith, [while encouraging more to fall on his lap] to pursue legal remedies in preventing crossovers from his party, in a move akin to JRJ’s demand for “Undated Letters of Resignations” from his MPs. The well-regarded Professor, a renowned legal scholar in South East Asia, began his political journey alongside Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga in 1994. However, he defected to the opposition, effectively bringing down her government in 2000. Subsequently, he allied with his former law student Ranil Wickremasinghe to establish a government in 2001. Amidst the rising popularity of Mahinda, he shifted allegiance to the Rajapaksas, assuming cabinet positions leading to accepting the Chairmanship of SLPP under Basil R. Eventually, he was ousted after departing from Gota’s leadership. Presently, the well-read professor, a former vice Chancellor of Colombo University, who is an asset to any political entity, contemplates working under a rather novice leader, Sajith Premadasa.

It seems there’s a strong sentiment calling for the rejection of MPs associated with the Pohottuwa who are perceived to have misled voters and contributed to economic damage. Such actions create a complex situation, especially for Sajith, who might be perceived as a weaker leader. He must tread carefully to avoid conflicts with the loyal party members, especially, those representing minorities who stood by him during challenging periods

There are potentially troublesome individuals seeking to join the SJB with the boss being too eager to bring all sorts of problematic cases who could finally become liabilities. Being cautious about who joins is crucial to avoid having persons who might cause difficulties or harm in the future.

Labeling MPs like Prof. GL, Dr. Nalaka Godahewa, and Prof. Channa Jayasumana as mere “Tom, Dick & Harrys” while aligning with individuals of questionable backgrounds within the party hierarchy lacks credibility. It seems there’s a strong sentiment calling for the rejection of MPs associated with the Pohottuwa who are perceived to have misled voters and contributed to economic damage. Such actions create a complex situation, especially for Sajith, who might be perceived as a weaker leader. He must tread carefully to avoid conflicts with the loyal party members, especially, those representing minorities who stood by him during challenging periods.

Despite the potential to create a ‘powerful’ alliance merging the two factions in the Uttara Lanka and Nidahase Sabhawa, why the longing for agreements with other parties? Why not contest independently under their own banner and the Helicopter symbol? Figures like GL, Dilan, Dulles, Godahewa, Charith, Jayasumana, and Gammanpila are perceived as individuals of integrity and may be viewed as products or unintended outcomes of the Bandaranaike and Rajapaksa legacies. However, individually, they lack a significant vote base.

The uncertainty of politicians switching parties in Sri Lanka does certainly stand out, often occurring without much scrutiny or challenge. It appears to be a widely accepted practice for political survival, and surprisingly, it doesn’t draw substantial criticism. The frequency of these shifts sometimes surpasses changes in personal ideologies, raising questions about the underlying motives, which might prioritize personal gain over steadfast principles. This trend of quickly abandoning prior political beliefs for what seems like self-serving reasons can be baffling, especially when it contradicts their earlier convictions. It’s a unique aspect of Sri Lankan political culture that might not resonate with everyone and operates under its own set of norms and understandings.

It’s a common observation that within a governing party, differences and conflicts often arise, while opposition parties tend to exhibit greater unity and harmony. However, it’s unfortunate that within the SJB, clashes among its members have already arisen. The party Chairman, Field Marshal Fonseka, himself is in disagreement with the rest in selecting the Presidential candidate. Another stalwart has already formed a new political party, and in anticipation of entering the fray when nominations are called for the plum post by September. Dr Harsha & Eran pulling in a different direction is causing internal discord that can affect the party’s success in presenting a unified front on various issues, apart from losing supporters’ confidence.
All these issues justify the claim for a change in leadership. A change in leadership within both the SJB and NPP/JVP, advocating for more suitable alternatives to replace the current leaders, as we have repeatedly emphasized in these columns. 

Politicians are playing games while the collective frustration among the populace has flowed to a critical stage, where feelings and dissatisfaction have peaked, signaling a possibly explosive situation. The government must consider the effects of excessive taxation, which detrimentally affect the economy. High taxes restrict economic growth, limit consumer spending and hinder investment. This leads to reduced job opportunities and competitiveness. Over-taxation prompts public protests, promotes tax evasion and weakens state revenue.
Amidst this tumultuous environment, it wouldn’t be shocking if the Parliament were dissolved this month, paving the way for an early general election at the end of March.

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