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Karu J. under pressure not to step down
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Colombo News Desk CND on 09 June, 2010 10:12:00
 
However the politicians who met Jayasuriya at different times last week, urged
the deputy leader to remain in that position, saying that it would precipitate
another major crisis within the UNP if he were to resign at this
juncture when Sajith Premadasa and Ravi Karunanayake were engaged in a massive
tussle for the position. They said the majority in the UNP political group
believe that in the face of this ongoing battle, Jayasuriya was the ideal
compromise candidate who could smooth things over in the party without creating
further cracks.
Media learns that the politicos told Jayasuriya that they were extremely
appreciative of the fact that Jayasuriya and SLFP Mahajana Wing Leader Mangala
Samaraweera were the only two politicians to quit an all powerful government and
join ranks with a much weaker opposition, adding that this reflected a strength
of character and integrity few other politicians in Sri Lanka had ever shown.
Jayasuriya responded that he was touched by the confidence expressed by the
young politicians and said that he had been considering stepping down as deputy
leader in order to honour the recommendations of the reforms committee and
ensure that he did not become a stumbling block to the reforms process.
He added that his decision to support the government during the war effort was
motivated by the fact that in situations of national crisis he believed that
country needed to come before the party. However, he told the politicos that if
members of the UNP believed that his actions were a betrayal of the UNP, then it
was with humility that he was asking for their forgiveness for following the
courage of his convictions. Mr. Jayasuriya told the UNP politicians that he
would seriously consider their request that he remain in his position as deputy
leader, reliable sources said.
MPs further requested Jayasuriya to at least temporarily manage the party and
take on the government until the in-fighting between Karunanayake and Premadasa
ends. They told Jayasuriya that because of the UNP's internal problems the
government was getting a blank cheque with no opposition to pull them up.