An abject opposition party

The SLFP has shown its unreserved support for the peace process by submitting its proposals for a resolution of the conflict to the APRC. This document is now open to public scrutiny and discussion. However, the UNP, which also professes to support a negotiated settlement, has, thus far, refrained from submitting its proposals to the APRC, for reasons best known to the party.

This could give the public cause to wonder whether the UNP is all out to obstruct the process leading to a resolution of the conflict. It should not come as a surprise if the UNP is on this obstructionist course, given its penchant for political opportunism.

If the UNP is resorting to its tried and tested tactic of "playing to the gallery" then it is failing in its responsibilities as a political party of repute. It is on a destructive course which could damage the State's efforts at resolving the conflict.

We join our voices to that of the State and fair thinking people and call on the UNP to help resolve the conflict by measuring-up to the high standards expected of it.

Unfortunately, UNP leader, Ranil Wickremesinghe, is on a globe-trotting frenzy which has no bearing on matters of vital importance to Sri Lanka. Not satisfied with just trotting far and wide, he has been making statements which are highly damaging to Sri Lanka.

This amounts to compounding the problem of internationalising Sri Lanka's conflict. The conflict in this country should be resolved by all local stakeholders, with the State and the Opposition proving very important elements among these stakeholders. The State looks forward to constructive assistance from the Opposition - particularly the main opposition party, the UNP.

The latter is failing abjectly in its duty by not proving a constructive party to the peace process. However, by making controversial statements, the UNP leader is only aggravating our conflict and helping in further internationalising it.

The Media Minister gave us much food for thought by questioning whether the UNP was trying to make up for its inability to make an impact at the local rural community level by discussing local issues in the international media, in a highly inimical manner to Sri Lanka.

Certainly, this is the case because the UNP has been on a very strong losing streak, thus testifying to its inability to impress the local electorate. It very badly needs to come out with a programme which would be of vital relevance to the local people and their problems, if it intends to come out of the political wilderness. It just cannot do this on account of its political bankruptcy.

However, it cannot make up for this fundamental weakness by making controversial comments to the international media. More vitally, the UNP needs to cultivate a strong sense of responsibility and be conscious of the fact that it is accountable to the local people.