Karu calls for UNP reforms, commitment to bipartisan pact

COLOMBO: UNP Deputy leader Karu Jayasuriya has called for structural changes in the decision making process within the party for it to be more democratic.

"This is also the belief of the vast majority of the party. It is essential that the present decision making process which is concentrated among a privileged few has to be revised without delay," Jayasuriya said issuing a media release.

He also lashed out at malicious propaganda by certain media casting aspersions on the UNP group which held discussions leading to the signing of the MOU as being motivated by selfish attempts to gain power and position.

"While this agreement provides a strong basis for reaching a solution acceptable to all people on the national issue that we are faced with as well as for the strengthening of democracy, it is now necessary to implement the agreement with dedication and commitment," he said.

Jayasuriya said: "It is essential to face all obstacles and challenges that come in its way with determination, and resolve.The UNP Deputy leader stated:"I decided to issue this statement because I consider it an extremely important duty and a responsibility of mine to explain the important and decisive events which took place in the past few weeks to the people of Sri Lanka.

I consider myself very fortunate for the unparalleled opportunity I received during my political career to direct the group in our Party, which successfully completed the discussions leading to the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the two major political parties in Sri Lanka representing almost 83% of the voting population, thus marking an end to a political culture hitherto based on confrontation. This, I consider, was a task of high national importance.

However, I take this opportunity to completely reject with contempt the false and malicious propaganda carried out by certain media, casting aspersions and suspicions of our effort as a selfish attempt to gain power and position.

I wish to categorically state with responsibility, that there was no attempt to seek posts or portfolios during the discussion between the two Parties. I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all the members of our Party who participated in these discussions.

The agreement that was reached in undoubtedly a significant achievement by all who contributed it, amidst many suspicious, and disparaging comments in the media, and specially when some who showed disdain and were cynical about the agreement are today posing themselves as its proponents.

This agreement between the two major political parties in our country is a fulfilment of the hopes and aspirations of our people who prayed for such and understanding for a long time.

While, this agreement provides a strong basis for reaching a solution acceptable to all people on the national issue that we are faced with as well as for the strengthening of democracy, it is now necessary to implement the agreement with dedication and commitment.

It is essential to face all obstacles and challenges that come in its way with determination, and resolve. I firmly believe that the United National Party, as a Party which has been committed to the protection of democracy from the very start has the necessary strength and motivation for this purpose.

It is undoubtedly the aspiration of thousands of our members who even sacrificed their lives for the sake of our Party.

I firmly believe that this agreement will provide a strong foundation for the implementation of the 17th Amendment to the Constitution, which was introduced to protect the fundamental rights of our people through the establishment of independent Public Service and Police Commissions confirmation of the Independence of Judiciary and the ensuring of free and fair elections.

While carrying out this effort at the National level, I believe that it is necessary to provide for structural changes in the decision making process within the United National Party for it to be more democratic.

This is also a belief of the vast majority of the Party. It is essential that the present decision making process which is concentrated in amongst a privileged, few has to be revised without delay. We believe that the decision making process in our Party should reflect the aspirations of all those thousands of people who work tirelessly for the Party.

I state, with humility and with responsibility, that I consider it my bounden duty to work to reformation of our Party in the same way that we worked with selflessly to achieve on understanding between the two major political parties. I wish to reiterate and confirm my commitment to make the UNP a people's Party again."