Need of the hour

One of the most significant changes in the Lankan political landscape in recent times was the crossing over of 17 UNP MPs to the Government ranks around two years ago.

This was in stark contrast to the cut-throat politics that prevailed until then, as they responded positively to an invitation by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to join the Government, hold responsible positions and find solutions to the burning issues faced by the country.

The UNP(D) Group as the MPs are collectively known, have since played a very significant role in the Government. Two years down the road, the Government is on the verge of overcoming some of the very challenges to face which the D- Group extended help.

It has also imparted stability to the Government, which has a clear majority in the House. The UNP D-Group helped reinforce this solid foundation by voting in favour of Budget 2009 on December 8.

The Government passed the Budget with a majority of 42 votes as a result of the support extended by the D-Group and other progressive forces. Prime among the challenges facing the Nation is the menace of terrorism, which the Government has addressed in a very methodical manner, targeting terrorist bastions one by one.

First, the East was cleared of terrorists and now the terrorists are very close to losing their last remaining bastions in the North - Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu.

Although by far the most crucial, this is not the only challenge facing the country. Ushering economic prosperity to the country, eradicating poverty, improving agriculture and industries, addressing the cost of living issue, generating more employment are among the other major challenges.

The Government needs the cooperation of all to solve these issues. In any case, when terrorism is totally eradicated, a massive rehabilitation and reconstruction drive will have to begin in the North, as in the East. That in itself is a Herculean task.

It is thus surprising to hear the former D-Group Leader Karu Jayasuriya, who has re-entered the UNP, saying that he joined the UNP to resurrect the economy as the problem of terrorism has almost been solved.

It is indeed true that the valiant Forces are close to annihilating the terrorists and the Government is readying a political proposal, but is joining the UNP the answer to developing the economy? And how can it develop the economy without even being in power?

Remaining in the Government and helping it to develop the economy would have been a far better option. Fortunately, the rest of the D-Group have realised that leaving the Government would be a folly as the UNP is unlikely to win an election even if one were to be held in the near future.

It is also perplexing that Jayasuriya is satisfied with the process of restructuring of the UNP. The so-called reforms have fallen far short of the demands of the seniors and the rank and file and the biggest impediment - the leadership - still remains.

One D-Group member has gone on record saying that they would not re-join the UNP as long as Ranil Wickremesinghe remains in the leadership position. The UNP has lost around 14 elections in a row under this leadership.

The decision by the other D-Group members to stay on thus makes sense in every way. Their firm resolve to remain in the Government ranks is an example to all political forces.

This is not the time for political bickering - it is a moment when all should come together to help the Government win not only the war on terror but also the wars against poverty, unemployment, cost of living etc.

It must be noted that the Government has recorded impressive economic indicators despite the global economic meltdown and the huge defence expenditure.

Thus Jayasuriya’s arguments on economic development and management do not hold water. Similarly, the Government is actively pursuing all other concerns such as poverty eradication, health, education, employment generation and infrastructure development under the Mahinda Chintana 10-year development plan.

The assertion that only a UNP Government could secure development and foreign aid does not ring true as the World Bank has approved around US$ 900 million for development programmes in Sri Lanka for the next few years, in addition to grants and loans by other countries and agencies.

The need of the hour is a political union that can present a united approach to the myriad problems facing the country. Opposition politicians must stop bothering about the Government getting credit for achievements on the war front or any other issue.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s meeting with Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe is a good omen. The Opposition should seize the opportunity to work with the Government and deliver goods to the people while encouraging the Forces to emancipate the Northern masses from LTTE terrorism.