A heated debate has emerged within the New Democratic Front (NDF), led by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, over the allocation of its two National List MP positions following the general election. Reports suggest significant opposition to the proposal of appointing former Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and ex-Minister Ravi Karunanayake to these coveted positions.
Sources indicate that a majority within the NDF and its allied factions, including members of the United National Party (UNP) and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), have rejected the idea. The dissent stems from concerns over preserving the future political vision of the party versus catering to personal agendas.
In this backdrop, Ranil Wickremesinghe himself has reportedly expressed reservations, pushing instead for younger, fresher faces to take up the National List seats. This stance has caused a rift, with a faction arguing that appointing established figures like Gunawardena and Karunanayake could undermine the party’s long-term credibility.
Adding to the controversy, Thalatha Athukorala, a former minister who backed Wickremesinghe during the last presidential elections, is allegedly lobbying for one of the National List slots. Her potential inclusion has further complicated the decision-making process, as critics question whether such moves prioritize personal agendas over the party’s collective goals.
The delay in finalizing these appointments is being viewed as a reflection of internal discord. Analysts warn that mishandling this issue could push both the NDF and UNP toward political obscurity, especially if decisions are seen as undermining the democratic process or favoring entrenched elites.
For now, the resolution of this dispute is anticipated to take a few more days, as the NDF grapples with finding a balance between sustaining its political future and managing internal power struggles.
