Decision time?

As the Joint Opposition readies itself to announce a decision on attending the 65th Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), yet another defining moment is looming for President Maithripala Sirisena. 

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has remained true to form, conveniently sidestepping the decision of whether or not to attend the celebrations by arranging to be out of the country. His visit to Malaysia, however, opens up a fresh conundrum for his successor, who has been staying his hand on disciplining the Joint Opposition members within the SLFP who have been effectively undermining the President’s power within the party. 

The Joint Opposition acts on behalf of and in the interests of Rajapaksa, often at considerable cost to the progressive moderates of Sri Lanka, especially in the case of reconciliation. Their nationalistic and often confused rhetoric has done little to build informed and balanced debate on key issues, instead pushing people to more extremes. The Government’s own muddled policymaking has not helped much either with promoting public confidence or communicating realities to the public. 

If the Joint Opposition decides not to attend the 65th Anniversary of the SLFP today then could this be the last straw that breaks the patience of President Sirisena, who has been slowly consolidating his power within the party? Will this be the best reason to reduce the power of the Joint Opposition within the SLFP and sideline it entirely or, as an extreme measure, have it removed completely?

The President has already made it clear that Local Government elections will begin in a few months and preparations are already underway to strengthen grassroots allegiance to the two main parties. In fact the President’s declaration that 2017 will be the year for “poverty alleviation” indicates that the Government is readying itself to roll out its handout bandwagon to extensively lobby for support among the people. 

Even if the steps to reduce poverty are done with purely altruistic motives the fear of fresh welfare schemes putting pressure on an already strained Budget deficit is a very valid concern. As Sirisena looks to charm away power from his predecessor, he will need more support from the rural constituents that make up the backbone of the SLFP. Many of them were appeased during the Rajapaksa regime through various handout programs that did little to sustainably develop the country but were nonetheless impressive when mentioned from a stage at numerous election rallies. 

The Government has to remember that it cannot hollow out the few steps for fiscal consolidation it has already taken for the sake of petty political gains. With a two-thirds majority in Parliament it has sufficient power to push through reforms and reset the economy, irrespective of the outcome of any Local Government election. Such plans should not be whittled away to keep corrupt politicians in power or provide temporary handouts to win votes. 

Some factions loyal to the former president, including his brother Basil Rajapaksa, have indicated the possibility of establishing a new party. Whether that becomes reality or the Joint Opposition continues to remain within the SLFP it is time for some decisive action to be taken at the top levels of power so clear decisions and policies can be made and implemented without feet-dragging that will exasperate an already impatient public.