Author: TELO Admin

The essence of what Palitha Range Bandara proposed was this -. Ranil Wickremesinghe took over the country’s leadership at a time of a great economic crisis

The Range Bandara proposal provided further ammunition to those critics of Ranil who opined that he would not hold a presidential election

Many in the media expected an official statement to be issued by the Government distancing itself from Range Bandara’s views

Range Bandara had discussed his fears and concerns with Ranil Wickremesinghe and proposed that the elections be postponed and the presidential and Parliamentary terms be extended by two years at least. Ranil had responded by saying that he was committed to a presidential election followed by a Parliamentary poll

Sri Lanka’s political stage was enlivened last week by the solo performance of United National Party (UNP) General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara. Addressing a media briefing on May 28, the policeman-turned-politician came out with a suggestion that the presidential election due this year and the Parliamentary election scheduled for next year should be postponed while the terms of office for both should be extended by two more years. The former Puttalam district and ex-state minister wanted a resolution passed by Parliament to that effect and ratified by the people at a referendum.

The essence of what Palitha Range Bandara proposed was this -. Ranil Wickremesinghe took over the country’s leadership at a time of a great economic crisis. Considerable progress has been achieved by the Wickremesinghe Government to remedy the situation. A degree of economic stability has been established but more time is needed to ensure greater economic stability.

Presidential elections are due this year and parliamentary polls next year. These elections along with the election campaigns could affect the current momentum of economic recovery. The steady progress of economic growth could be disrupted. As such both elections should be postponed so as to continue with the journey towards greater economic stability and growth.

The current terms of office of the President and Parliament should be extended by two more years for both. A proposal to this effect should be presented in Parliament as a resolution and passed by all political parties together and followed up by a referendum to get the people’s support and endorsement. Thus the president and Government could continue unfettered for two more years and achieve economic stability for Sri Lanka.

Non-Starter

The above in essence was Range Bandara’s suggestion as revealed to the media. Whatever the merits or otherwise of the proposal, it was obvious from the start that Palitha’s project was a non-starter. In the first place, it was unclear as to whether he envisaged postponements and extensions of the terms of office were constitutionally feasible. Even if it were so, gaining two-thirds support in Parliament was hardly possible. Furthermore obtaining the people’s endorsement at a referendum was virtually impossible.

Range Bandara’s suggestion was nothing new. The UNP Chairman and sole National List MP Vajira Abeywardena has been saying frequently that all political parties should get together and enable President Wickremesinghe to stay in power longer so that he could lead the country on the road to economic recovery. However, when the UNP Gen Secy stated the same sentiments in a more crystallised form, it was viewed differently and more definitively.
Even though Range Bandara’s proposal was his personal point of view and only a suggestion, it was not perceived as such. Sections of the media and social media along with Opposition political parties treated it as an official Government announcement.

Moreover it was regarded or depicted as a concrete proposal of the UNP and not as an idea being floated by the party general secretary on his initiative.

“His Master’s Voice”

Furthermore the authenticity of Range Bandara’s proposal was seriously doubted. It was seen as having emanated from President and UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe. Just as SLPP Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam’s pronouncements and statements are laid at the door of Basil Rajapaksa, Range Bandara was suspected of being a mouthpiece for Ranil Wickremesinghe.The irrepressible leader of the TPA, Mano Ganesan stated openly that Range Bandara was ‘his master’s voice” and that the “master” was none other than the president himself. The general impression was that Wickremesinghe after confirming earlier that the presidential poll will be held was now trying to scuttle it through the party secretary.
So it was open season on Range Bandara and by extension Ranil Wickremesinghe. Various political parties opened fire. As was to be expected, there was strong criticism of Range Bandara’s proposal. Vehement opposition to the proposal was expressed by many. Some even threatened to take to the streets and revive the “Aragalaya” protests if the Government went ahead with the proposal. Few bothered to note that neither the President nor the Government had endorsed or approved Range Bandara’s proposal openly or officially.
A contributory factor to this state of affairs was the approach of Ranil Wickremesinghe himself. Everyone knew he was contesting the presidential elections and that an electoral campaign in his support was on. Yet Wickremesinghe had not officially announced that he was going to contest. When asked at media briefings he would evade giving a direct reply. Ranil would talk about the economy and avoid talking about elections.

Attack on Two Counts

This seeming reluctance on the part of Ranil has enabled his opponents to attack him on two points. One was to allege that Ranil was afraid to face elections because he would lose and therefore will not contest polls. The other was to accuse Wickremesinghe of conspiring to put off the presidential elections and remain in power as president “by hook or by crook”.
The Range Bandara proposal provided further ammunition to those critics of Ranil who opined that he would not hold a presidential election. Wickremesinghe was now attacked as plotting to avoid a presidential poll he was sure to lose by extending the presidential term through a referendum. What many of those subscribing to this allegation failed to take note of was the inherent contradiction in the charge. If Ranil was going to lose at a presidential poll then how could he win a referendum? If on the other hand Ranil could win a referendum then why can’t he win a presidential election?

Damage Control

While the Opposition parties were having a field day lambasting Range and Ranil on the one hand and re-iterating their commitment to electoral democracy on the other, the UNP itself was in an unenviable situation. Many in the party were themselves surprised by the proposal of the party general secretary. Some engaged in damage control.
Chief among them was former Cabinet minister Ravi Karunanayake. It is an open secret in UNP circles that Ravi has been eyeing the Gen Secy post held by Range for long. “It was nothing but a personal statement by Range Bandara. This is not the decision of the President,” Ravi Karunanayake told the “Daily Mirror.” Karunanayake asserted that the presidential election would be held as scheduled in October, followed by the general election.

PM Dinesh Gunawardena

Many in the media expected an official statement to be issued by the Government distancing itself from Range Bandara’s views. A press release from the President’s media division was eagerly awaited. However in an unexpected twist, the official communique dated May 29th was issued by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena’s media division. Here are a few relevant excerpts –
“Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena emphatically said that the Presidential Election will be held this year in accordance with the constitutional provisions as already announced by the Elections Commission. He pointed out that the Election Commission has already made an announcement that the Presidential Election would be held between September 15 and October 17 this year.”
“Speaking to journalists after attending the inauguration of Martin Wickramasinghe’s Life and Literature Section at the National Libraries Board in Colombo on May 29, he dismissed the suggestions about the postponement of the Presidential elections and General elections. The Prime Minister said it was wrong to make proposals that have not been discussed by the government or the ruling alliance at any time.”
“The government’s stand on the election has already been announced. The Election Commission declared that the presidential election will be held in accordance with the provisions in the constitution. They have announced that it will be scheduled between the months of September and October. The government’s stand on the election has already been announced, the Prime Minister said.”
“The Prime Minister stated that after the presidential election, it will be the general election. He added that attention has been paid on holding provincial council and local government elections on the same day. “Some people declare various things without responsibility. I am telling the countrymen that a democratic government or parliament will not allow the government to make sudden announcements about something that has not been discussed in any situation and to create unrest in the country irresponsibly,” he said.”

June 3 Press Conference

In view of what had happened, there was a general expectation that the Wickremesinghe Governmentt would disassociate itself from Palitha Range Bandara. That has not happened. He was neither abandoned nor thrown to the wolves. Instead Range Bandara has proclaimed that he would convene a press conference on June 3rd and explain in detail the reasons behind his proposal. He is also scheduled to appear in several TV shows next week.

Range Bandara and Ranil

When some UNP seniors and party office-bearers met to discuss the situation Range Bandara in his capacity as Gen Secy was also present. Some of those present began to criticise Range and blame him for bringing the Government into disrepute. Ranil Wickremesinghe however intervened and put a stop to “Bandara baiting”. He said that the UNP Gen Secy had merely expressed his thoughts on the matter and made some suggestions personally. He (Range) had not stated those views were those of the Government or party. Therefore Range Bandara was entitled to his own opinion and none should criticize him stated Wickremesinghe.
I was unable to speak directly with Palitha Range Bandara on this matter but was able to communicate with informed sources close to the UNP Gen Secy. According to these circles Range Bandara had been extremely worried that conducting the presidential and Parliament elections,one after the other, would take up too much time and transform the prevailing situation. “Election fever” would disrupt the current course of life for many weeks and even months. As such the on-going journey towards economic emancipation would be affected.
Range Bandara had discussed his fears and concerns with Ranil Wickremesinghe and proposed that the elections be postponed and the presidential and Parliamentary terms be extended by two years at least. Ranil had responded by saying that he was committed to a presidential election followed by a Parliamentary poll. However Range Bandara could make his ideas on the matter public if he so desired. Stating your thoughts publicly would be a way to test political and public opinion on this issue , pointed out Ranil. The choice was left to Range.

Wigneswaran’s Support

Hence Range Bandara had gone ahead and articulated his ideas openly. Even though Political party leaders and sections of the media have been critical, a few MPs are said to have quietly supported Range Bandara on this issue. Former Supreme Court Judge and Jaffna district Parliamentarian CV Wigneswaran has openly welcomed the suggestion made by Palitha.
Notwithstanding the support in certain quarters for postponement of elections and extension of electoral terms, the people on the whole would be against the idea. If there are attempts to implement these ideas, the emergence of spontaneous mass protests cannot be ruled out. Besides in fairness to President Wickremesinghe, he too is keen on contesting and winning the presidential poll. In the final analysis, Range Bandara’s “loud thinking” has proved that the Presidential election cannot be postponed.

Election Campaign

At the same time this distracting exercise has to some extent damaged Ranil Wickremesinghe’s election campaign in the short term. Ranil’s image has been somewhat tarnished and campaign dented at least for now. Also the plan to deplete the SJB of MPs through the campaign code named “Operation Sajaba” will be affected. MPs planning to cross over may have second thoughts now.
However, this temporary setback can be overcome with the passage of time. Once it becomes obvious that Ranil has no intention of postponing elections and poll dates are announced the climate would change. Once Wickremesinghe’s official election campaign gets underway in a big way the dynamics of electioneering would have a transforming effect. The Range Bandara affair would pale into insignificance.

Not Postpone But Win Poll

The loud thinking of Range Bandara about elections affecting the country’s economic recovery are quite valid. The best way to address them is not to postpone polls but to ensure that the poll is won. What the supporters and allies of Ranil Wickremesinghe could and should do is to conduct a powerful election campaign that would result in the incumbent president successfully tasting the fruits of victory.

D.B.S.Jeyaraj can be reached at dbsjeyaraj@yahoo.com

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has confirmed that the Presidential Election will be held in accordance with the Constitution and on the date specified by the Election Commission.

He made these comments while responding to questions from journalists after attending the opening of the Martin Wickramasinghe Hall of Life section at the National Library and Documentation Services Board today (29).

“The government’s stand on the election has already been announced. The Election Commission declared that the presidential election can be held according to the constitution.”

“They have announced that it will be scheduled between the months of September and October. The government has also announced that,” he said.

Replying to a question on allegations that the government is trying to postpone the election after seeing the crowd for its May Day, the Premier said:

“No political decision will be taken after seeing a crowd. We will not be panicked or reversed, but will move forward.”

He added: “Steps have been taken according to the accepted election law for the development of the country by advancing the supreme parliamentary system and the people’s mandate. There is a two-thirds system that is very difficult to be followed to change the election rules. Otherwise, the parliament can go on until next August. If necessary it can be dissolved earlier. Or they can dissolve it by themselves. There is a system in the constitution to do so.

“After the Presidential election, it will be the general election. Later, attention has been paid on holding provincial council and local government elections at the same time.

“Some people declare various things without responsibility. I am telling the countrymen that a Democratic government or parliament will not allow the government to make sudden announcements about something that has not been discussed in any situation and to create unrest in the country irresponsibly.”

“The Election Commission has the power to call the Presidential election, according to the Constitution. It cannot be called in advance or later. It has been fixed in the constitution. Accordingly, the Election Commission will conduct the election as scheduled.”

The request by the church to conduct a proper investigation into the Easter Sunday bomb attacks is being ignored by the authorities. But they will renew their struggle and will fight for justice, Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith said.

Cardinal Ranjith made this remark after paying his last respects to Tilina Harashni who died on Monday after suffering for five years due to the injuries she suffered as a result of the Easter Sunday bombings in 2019.

“We pray for Tilina who underwent immense suffering for five years after the bomb attack,” the Cardinal added.

The plantation industry raised its strongest possible objections to the Government’s ”arbitrary, reckless, unilateral decision” to drastically hike minimum wages for tea and rubber sector workers by an unprecedented 70%.

All producer stakeholders issued a unified warning against the devastating impact the latest increase will have on the plantation sector, leading crippling operational challenges, ultimately leading to severe economic instability for the nation.

“This decision was made without proper consultation or consideration of the needs of all industry stakeholders. In particular, it fails to provide any consideration and threatens to cripple every segment of the Sri Lankan tea and rubber industry. This current effort to force such a clearly unsustainable mandatory minimum wage on tea and rubber smallholders and the Regional Plantation Companies (RPCS) is impossible for the industry to absorb, even with radical cuts to basic operational necessities. The continuity of the entire plantation sector is now at risk, and most critically the livelihoods of the very workers and communities who are connected to the industry across Sri Lanka,” The Planters’ Association of Ceylon stated.

As a result of the decision, the cost of production for tea and rubber is set to rise dramatically, with estimates indicating a minimum 45% increase in the cost per kilogram of tea. This surge in operational costs will render Sri Lanka’s tea and rubber industries uncompetitive in the global market, further exacerbating the financial strain on these sectors.

Additionally, the wage hike will place an enormous burden on Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs), which will face an annual increase in excess of Rs. 35 billion inclusive of EPF/ETF and gratuity payments. This financial strain is unsustainable and threatens the livelihoods of thousands of workers in the plantation sector.

The PA also noted that the current approach of the Government in attempting to coercively set wages for the private sector, and interfere in management of the sector from key Government figures represent a stark violation of the terms of the IMF agreement, which is crucial for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery. This decision is very clearly driven by short-term populist politics aimed at securing electoral victories rather than fostering long-term economic health of the industry, and securing the interests of workers.

The IMF’s $3 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Sri Lanka is contingent on several stringent conditions aimed at ensuring fiscal consolidation including reduced intervention in state-owned enterprises (SOE). Historically, state control over enterprises has led to inefficiencies and financial burdens, as evidenced by the failures of numerous state-run businesses in Sri Lanka.

Historically, the state has consistently failed to manage State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) effectively, leading to steep losses and in many instances, near total collapse. By the time of privatization in 1992, state owned plantations made continuous losses that had to be heavily subsidized by the Government up to Rs. 5 billion per year which was borne by the Treasury.

A further Rs. 8 billion was owed by the JEDB and SLSPC to the Bank of Ceylon and Peoples’ Bank as a result of a US$ 300 million lending facility which was extended to the state plantations by the World Bank. While these funds were intended for the improvement of the plantations industry, there were no significant improvements and the plantations did not have the ability to repay the debts, and the Government was eventually compelled to absorb this debt.

Following privatization, worker wages appreciated sharply, and with a significantly larger workforce of 327,123 within the RPC sector the industry was able to operate more effectively, investing substantially towards the development of the industry, including all of the key certifications and standards that have allowed Pure Ceylon Tea, and rubber to maintain a reputation for unmatched quality relative to global competitors.

These efforts have led to improvements in efficiency and productivity, which are now at risk due to the proposed wage hike. It is also important to note that all these companies are publicly traded companies listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange. Any attempt at a second and immediate expropriation by the Government will therefore contravene Securities and Exchange Commission and SEC rules, the Companies Act and other related statutory provisions.

Such an arbitrary and impractical decision also risks severe damage to local and foreign investor confidence alike. The PA warned that this would have negative consequences beyond the plantation industry, especially at a time when Sri Lanka desperately requires foreign direct investment to help boost strategically important sectors in manufacturing and services, as well as the agriculture sector.

The PA has long advocated for a shift to a productivity-linked wage model or a revenue share model, which aligns worker compensation with productivity and revenue earned at auction. This approach not only incentivizes productivity but also ensures a fair and sustainable wage system for workers. Already workers under revenue share under the previous wage structure recorded earnings in excess of the minimum wage that was recently gazette.

The current daily attendance-based minimum wage model is outdated and does not reflect the realities of the modern plantation industry. Any disruption to production or quality standards could send shockwaves through export markets, diminishing export revenues and competitiveness.

“We urge policymakers to prioritize long-term economic stability over short-sighted decisions and to consider the industry’s proposals for a productivity-linked wage model,” the PA said.