Sri Lanka: Ex-Presidents Sirisena & CBK Tussle Over Party Chair

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lanka Freedom Party or the SLFP established on September 2nd, 1951, owes its inception to the visionary leadership of S. W. R. D. Bandanayake.

Shortly after its formation, the SLFP witnessed a turning point. The Mahajana Eksath Peramuna, led by the party, emerged victorious in the 1956 general election, securing a mandate to govern.

Tragically, the assassination of Bandaranayake altered the course of SLFP leadership.

In the subsequent elections held in July 1960, the alliance led by the Sri Lanka Freedom Party ascended to power under the capable guidance of Sirimavo Bandaranayake.

Notably, she became the world's first female Prime Minister, leaving an indelible mark on history.

In 1970, a coalition led by the SLFP reclaimed government, ushering in a period when Sri Lanka functioned as a Republic.

Despite setbacks in 1977, the SLFP experienced a resurgence with the arrival of Chandrika Bandanayake Kumaratunga in 1994.

Her leadership from 1994 to 2005 revitalized the party, and in 2005 Mahinda Rajapaksa assumed the mantle of SLFP leadership.

His decade-long tenure witnessed significant milestones and following the 2015 presidential election, leadership changed hands once more.

Maithripala Sirisena took the helm, and has been the party leader since 2015.

Sirisena Temporarily Barred from Chairmanship of SLFP

The Colombo District Court issued an injunction prohibiting Maithripala Sirisena from serving in the role of Chairman of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party.

This legal order, effective until April 18, was granted in response to a request made by former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.

Former Sri Lankan President, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, has formally petitioned the Colombo District Court, seeking a permanent injunction to remove Maithripala Sirisena from his position as Chairman of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party.

The basis for this request is the assertion that he is unsuitable for the role.

On behalf of former President Bandaranaike, President's Counsel Chandaka Jayasuriya, along with Attorneys Amila Dissanayake, and Purnima Ratnayake instructed by Attorney-at-Law K. M. S. R. Perera made submissions to Colombo District Court Judge Sandun Vithana.

The attorneys emphasized that Maithripala Sirisena's continued occupancy of the post of Chairman of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party constitutes a breach of the party's constitution.

They pointed out that as per the party's constitution, Maithripala Sirisena is eligible to serve as Chairman of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party during his tenure as the country's president. However, post-presidency, he is designated as the party's patron by official decree.

They argued that Maithripala Sirisena simultaneously holding the positions of party patron and chairman is inconsistent with the party's constitutional framework.

Furthermore, they highlighted before the District Court that the Supreme Court had determined the infringement of fundamental rights during a trial concerning the Easter attack, and the Court also deemed the decisions made by Maithripala Sirisena during the 52-day government upheaval as erroneous, rendering him ineligible for the party chairmanship.

Given this context, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga petitioned the district court for a permanent injunction restraining Maithripala Sirisena from serving as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party.

She also requested an interim injunction to suspend his authority until the matter could be fully adjudicated.

In her plea to the district court, she underscored the necessity for an injunction to remain in force until the interim order was deliberated upon.

After due consideration of the pleas, Colombo District Judge Sandun Vithana issued an injunction prohibiting Maithripala Sirisena from functioning as party chairman until April 18th.

Simultaneously, the District Court issued injunctions against Acting Secretary of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, Sarathi Dushmantha Mitrapala, Senior Vice President Nimal Siripala de Silva, and Vice President Faizer Mustafa, preventing the implementation of any decisions made by Maithripala Sirisena.

Sirisena Calls Out SLFP Members for Betrayal and Greed

Former President Maithripala Sirisena has spoken out against the actions of certain members of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), accusing them of prioritizing personal gain over the interests of the party and the nation.

Sirisena reiterated the party's commitment to forming an all-party government but expressed disappointment at individuals who accepted ministerial positions under the current administration, disregarding the central committee's decision.

"We had the motto of forming an all-party government," Sirisena remarked. "Despite the decisions taken by the central committee that we should not join the incumbent government unless an all-party government is formed, some individuals had taken up ministerial positions under the current president. They took up those offers because they were greedy for the power that came with those titles, not because they loved the country, its citizens or the party."

Sirisena also revealed difficulties encountered in obtaining party symbols necessary for the upcoming elections. "The party symbols we intend to use are in possession of two who are with the government. We asked for the Chair and betel leaf symbols from those two. However, they refused to give it to us," he stated, emphasizing their breach of party rules and promises made to the central committee.

In response to questions about his relationship with former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunge and the future direction of the SLFP, Sirisena urged scrutiny of Kumaratunge's actions. "You need to ask her why she is doing this to the party her own father founded," he remarked, suggesting a departure from the party's traditional principles.

Regarding rumors of a potential alliance between the SLFP and the government, Sirisena affirmed his opposition to such plans, emphasizing the party's commitment to maintaining its integrity and avoiding corruption.

Responding to inquiries about his future political ambitions, Sirisena remained non-committal but expressed confidence in his continued influence.

Throughout the exchange, Sirisena maintained composure, dismissing suggestions of personal concern. "You don't seem to be able to read body language that well. I do not look worried," he quipped.