With the ongoing tussle over the leadership of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), the Sunday Observer talked to both sides involved to get their views. In an interview conducted with SLFP MP Duminda Dissanayake, the Acting General Secretary of the Party, he expresses his views on the recent appointment of Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe as Acting Chairman of the Party, who he says is not a genuine member of the SLFP. He says such appointments violate the party Constitution.
Excerpts from the interview:
Q: Is the appointment of Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe as the Chairman of the SLFP, who is not a party member, illegal? Even the Court imposed an Interim Order?
A: Recently, the Court issued an Injunction Order against Dr. Rajapakshe’s appointment to the SLFP. Ministers Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Mahinda Amaraweera, and I challenged his appointment, citing that he is not a member of the SLFP and, therefore, cannot hold a position within the party. His recent appearance as a guest speaker at party events without formal membership indicates that he is not a genuine SLFP member.
Q: A group of SLFP members is seeking Ministerial positions while some are not allowed. What is this double standard?
A: We are questioning former President Maithripala Sirisena regarding this issue. While some party members have joined the Government and are actively working with it, the illegal appointment of Dr. Rajapakshe as acting chairman demonstrates a clear double standard.
Q: Does this also mean that there was a violation of the Party Constitution through this appointment?
A: Yes, certainly. An individual who is not a member of the SLFP cannot hold any official position within the party as per our Constitution. I think that is the case with all other parties and organisations too. In reality, you cannot even become the Chairman of a benevolent society without becoming a member first.
Q: Some allege that the involvement of Minister Dr. Rajapakshe in SLFP affairs is another deal?
A: It appears to be a deal that exploits former President Maithripala Sirisena’s situation. We should remember that he is also the Minister of Justice with wide powers. Such political manoeuvers cannot be justified without any underlying motives.
Q: Are you alleging that there are personal reasons behind this so-called deal?
A: These allegations are not solely my own. Former President Sirisena has faced multiple legal challenges, including financial liabilities and issues related to the Easter Sunday attacks. His decision to appoint Dr. Rajapakshe further hints at personal motives.
Q: Now, there are two acting chairmen in the same party. What is going on? Is this even possible?
A: Currently, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva serves as the Acting Chairman of the Party. We do not recognise the new acting Chairman (Dr. Rajapakshe) which has now been confirmed by the Court.
Q: But you say that what former the President says and does should not be taken into account?
A: It is important to address any internal party disputes through established procedures outlined in the Party’s Constitution or through legal means. Sirisena’s actions are making the SLFP vulnerable in the face of current political trends and indicate a vindictive approach that will not serve the interests of the Party.
Q: Allegations were raised that your dismissal was without any basis. Was the injunction extended further?
A: I do not hold any Ministerial position in the Government while Lasantha Alagiyawanna and Mahinda Amaraweera do hold Ministerial positions. What is the justification for removing two of those holding Ministerial positions and removing me who does not hold any such positions? If it is not the decision of the SLFP to be with the Government, then all those who represent the entire Government should be removed. These are actions he does without any responsibility. It is contradictory to treat the same people in two ways and appoint a powerful Government Minister as the Acting Chairman of the SLFP.
Q: Is there an attempt to give the SLFP candidacy to Minister Dr. Rajapakshe in the upcoming Presidential Election, likely to be held in October?
A: Dr. Rajapakshe’s lack of membership actually disqualifies him from acting as Chairman or being considered for the Presidential candidacy within or from the SLFP. The current legally recognised acting Chairman is Nimal Siripala de Silva, but we have no objections to Dr. Rajapakshe pursuing an independent candidacy if he so desires. But he cannot represent the SLFP.
Q: Will the two antagonistic factions come together in the future?
A: Actually, there are no major divisions within the SLFP. Former President Sirisena and his associates form a separate group. His recent actions, including the illegal appointment of Dr. Rajapakshe, demonstrate his disconnection from the Party’s core values and grassroots membership.
Q: What will happen if this rift goes all the way to the Presidential or General Elections?
A: Sirisena’s actions suggest that he is prepared to relinquish chairmanship. As a former President, he can remain a patron of the SLFP if he chooses to step down from active leadership. Most other parties have now moved on.
Q: What will happen to the alliance that was going to be formed by the SLFP?
A: Efforts to form an alliance were hindered by Sirisena’s apparent refusal to accept a subordinate role. His prioritisation of personal interests over party cohesion has jeopardised any potential alliances.
Translated by Dinuli Francisco
