Only RW can resolve crisis: Vajira

UNP MP Vajira Abeywardena  

• SC decision shows steps taken by Speaker correct 
• Says only RW can restore country and boost economy 
• Pre-26 October status quo should be restored 
• RW prevailed because he worked by the book: Hirunika 
• Only 50% of battle won as Sirisena will attempt to stall: Ashu  

By Nuwan Senaratne / Pic by Pradeep Pathirana 

United National Party (UNP) MP Vajira Abeywardena yesterday said the Supreme Court’s decision has proven that the Judiciary is independent, and insisted only UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe can resolve the political crisis and restore economic stability.

“The verdict of the Supreme Court has shown all decisions taken by Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and 122 MPs were correct. Recent political crisis had affected the entire country, but I can assure you UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe is the only person who has the capacity to resolve the current political and economic disturbance,” he said at Temple Trees yesterday.

Pointing out that the political crisis has led to major economic costs, Abeywardena said they now have to consider the possibilities of extending a grace period for debt repayments of over $1 billion, due in April 2019, and restore the private and public sector. 

“Wickremesinghe, with over 40 years of experience, is the only person who can restore the economy in months and reassure both local and international investors. There is no one else. The private and public sectors need to be restored for the economy to recover from the last few weeks and move forward.” 

Abeywardena also applauded both Sirisena and Wickremesinghe for passing the 19th Amendment that improved the independence of the Judiciary and other public services. He also commended the Judiciary for stepping up at a time when the country was in need of strong institutions, and delivering a landmark decision that will go down in history. 

“I categorically request that attempts to humiliate Ranil Wickremesinghe be stopped now. These baseless allegations doing the rounds, of secret deals and other things, must stop. These sorts of actions are not just about disgracing a politician, but it will deepen divisions between the different communities of this country,” he said. 

MP J.C. Alawathuwala, speaking in his turn, called on President Sirisena to appoint Wickremesinghe as Prime Minister and restore the Government that existed before 26 October. 

The UNP will remain steadfast in the goal of protecting the people’s mandate, said MP Kavinda Jayawardana. “The President attempted to bend the law to his advantage, but he has been defeated in this effort. We will continue to fight for democracy and see no reason why this Parliament cannot continue till 2020 and complete its full term. Parliament should decide when it wants to go for an election. The world is watching Sri Lanka now, and it is heartening that its Judiciary did not humiliate our country’s reputation.” 

MP Mujibur Rahman contended that President Sirisena must decide his future if he is not willing to appoint Wickremesinghe as Prime Minister. “We have a President who did not adhere to the Constitution, who disregarded the people’s mandate, and so he has no moral right or legal defence to remain as the Executive. It’s time he quit and went back to Polonnaruwa and cultivated a paddy field as he has already said he would do.” 

MP Hirunika Premachandra argued that while Wickremesinghe had played by the rule book, President Sirisena had allowed his powers to lead him astray, and this was the reason why the eventual outcome had been in favour of the UNP leader. She also pointed out that MP Mahinda Rajapaksa should have been more prudent and refrained from taking a Prime Minister position without the backing of Parliament. 

“President Sirisena must now act as a Head of State and work to restore democracy. This is not a victory for our party, but a win for all Sri Lankans and future generations. Sirisena must listen to the Supreme Court and discharge the responsibilities of his office.”  

“While this ruling is undoubtedly very important, the pro-democracy forces should not be lulled into a false sense of security. Only 50% of the battle has been won. There is still much that needs to be done to ensure that the aspirations of those who seek to undermine Sri Lanka’s democracy fail. Given President Sirisena’s personality, it is likely that he will continue to disregard Parliament and the Constitution and push to continue the changes that were made on 26 October,” warned MP Prof. Ashu Marasinghe.