Discipline or Arrogance? UNP’s Rise and Fall-by KKS Perera
Ranil Wickremesinghe, widely regarded as one of South Asia’s most astute politicians
Source:Dailymirror
Premadasa’s leadership, though effective in some areas, underscored the increasing dominance of personal ambition over collective party goals
The UNP’s downfall stemmed from nepotism, internal divisions, and failure to adapt. Under Ranil Wickremesinghe, the party grew disconnected from the people, accelerating its decline
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The 2020 general elections dealt a devastating blow to the UNP, marking the first time in its history that the party failed to secure a single parliamentary seat
Despite his political acumen and diplomatic skills, Wickremesinghe failed to unite the party and navigate the challenges of the post-Premadasa era
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It is a tragedy that Ranil Wickremesinghe, widely regarded as one of South Asia’s most astute politicians, who managed to steer a bankrupt nation back from the brink of collapse, failed to revive the United National Party (UNP) and restore its former glory. His leadership during the 2021-2024, national crisis, marked by remarkable diplomatic skills and political acumen, was commendable. Wickremesinghe secured international assistance and implemented crucial economic reforms that stabilized the country’s finances. His ability to navigate the nation’s complex political and economic landscape earned him accolades both locally and internationally. It is no secret that not only the people, but also the NPP/JVP government, benefits from his efforts.
UNP’s Dilemma
At the heart of this political dynamic was the Attygalle inheritance—a powerful familial connection that emerged at the turn of the century and shaped Sri Lanka’s political landscape. Sir John Kotelawala’s father, D.S. Senanayake’s elder brother F.R. Senanayake, and J.R. Jayewardene’s uncle were all married to sisters from the influential Attygalle family, creating a network of power that spanned generations. Despite these close ties, D.S. Senanayake bypassed Sir John as his successor, instead paving the way for his son, Dudley Senanayake, to take the reins.
Nepotism in Sri Lankan politics runs deep, tracing back to D.S. Senanayake, the first Prime Minister of independent Ceylon. It took root when he secured his son, Dudley Senanayake, as his successor—having first sidelined his immediate political rival, S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike—rather than entrusting leadership to his more politically astute nephew-in-law, Sir John Kotelawala, or the shrewd J.R. Jayewardene. This move cemented a legacy of political succession driven by family ties rather than merit.
Dudley, though capable, was thrust into a role he wasn’t fully prepared for. While his leadership was marked by political pragmatism, the choice to pass leadership to him, rather than to Sir John or J.R. Jayewardene, marked a pivotal moment in Sri Lanka’s political history. This decision fostered a culture of political succession based on family connections, rather than merit or public support. Over time, the UNP, under various leaders, became a symbol of Sri Lanka’s political establishment. However, its history is marred by internal strife and power struggles, often centered around family ties and personal ambitions. A notable example is Ranasinghe Premadasa, a middle-class figure who rose to the presidency in 1988. Premadasa’s focus on poverty alleviation was overshadowed by his increasing obsession with power, which led to deep divisions within the UNP.
Premadasa’s reign in the UNP was characterized by a narcissistic leadership style. His overwhelming obsession with self-promotion and his focus on a “one-man show” gradually eroded the values that had once defined the party. His authoritarian approach alienated many party members and set the stage for the formation of breakaway factions. Notably, the rivalry between Premadasa and prominent figures like Lalith Athulathmudali and Gamini Dissanayake escalated, leading to their eventual expulsion and the formation of the Democratic United National Front (DUNF). This marked the second major fracture in the party’s history.
Premadasa’s leadership, though effective in some areas, underscored the increasing dominance of personal ambition over collective party goals. This shift departed from the founding ideals of the UNP, which aimed to foster a multi-ethnic, inclusive political platform. His tenure marked a period of internal strife, with infighting and power struggles weakening party unity. However, to his credit, Premadasa never promoted his offspring; Sajith’s rise was a consequence of Ranil’s hostility rather than nepotism.
The Senanayake political family-based succession was later intensified by the Bandaranaike and Rajapaksa families. After S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike’s assassination in 1959, his widow Sirimavo became the world’s first female Prime Minister, cementing their family’s grip on the SLFP. Their daughter, Chandrika Kumaratunga, later held both the presidency and premiership.
The Rajapaksas took dynastic politics further, with Mahinda appointing his brothers to key positions. Their dominance ended in 2022, but Namal Rajapaksa has since positioned himself as the family’s new political heir. While these dynasties shaped Sri Lanka’s history, prioritizing family over merit led to stagnation, corruption, and public disillusionment.
However, it was under the leadership of Ranil Wickremesinghe, who took over after Premadasa’s assassination in 1993, that the UNP experienced one of its most significant periods of decline. Wickremesinghe, who had been groomed by Premadasa, inherited a party that was deeply divided and struggling to adapt to the changing political and economic landscape. Despite his political acumen and diplomatic skills, Wickremesinghe failed to unite the party and navigate the challenges of the post-Premadasa era.
Wickremesinghe’s leadership was marked by his inability to connect with the party’s traditional base, particularly the rural and working-class voters who had once been the backbone of the UNP. His tenure saw the party’s credibility and influence erode, culminating in the 2005 presidential election, where Wickremesinghe’s candidacy was defeated by Mahinda Rajapaksa. The loss highlighted the widening gap between the party’s leadership and its traditional supporters, and further exposed the weaknesses in the UNP’s ability to adapt to the changing political climate. His failure to unite the party was compounded by his reluctance to step aside when party members like Karu Jayasuriya called for leadership change. His refusal to yield further deepened the internal conflict, and the UNP’s decline seemed inevitable. The party’s inability to embrace reforms and its continued reliance on old political tactics only served to alienate a new generation of voters and contribute to its downfall.
The 2020 general elections dealt a devastating blow to the UNP, marking the first time in its history that the party failed to secure a single parliamentary seat. This humiliating defeat was the culmination of years of internal strife, leadership struggles, and a failure to adapt to the evolving needs of Sri Lanka’s electorate. In its aftermath, yet another fracture emerged with the formation of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) under the uninspiring and indecisive leadership of Sajith Premadasa. Lacking vision, political acumen, Sajith failed to assert himself as a strong leader, instead relying on populist rhetoric without a clear strategy. Today, the SJB is merely a splinter group surviving on anti-UNP sentiment rather than a formidable political force.
Wickremesinghe’s decision to contest the 2024 presidential election as an independent candidate under the gas cylinder symbol further isolated him from the party’s traditional supporters. His leadership, increasingly seen as out of touch with the realities faced by ordinary Sri Lankans, only served to diminish the UNP’s appeal. By this point, Wickremesinghe’s long tenure at the helm of the party had come to symbolize the failure of a political dynasty that had once been a powerful force in Sri Lanka’s post-independence era.
The UNP’s downfall stemmed from nepotism, internal divisions, and failure to adapt. Under Ranil Wickremesinghe, the party grew disconnected from the people, accelerating its decline. Once founded on D.S. Senanayake’s vision of inclusivity, it became a battleground for personal ambition and infighting. Repeated fractures signaled weak leadership, preventing unity and reform.
Despite setbacks, the UNP’s legacy still influences Sri Lanka’s politics. Whether it can reclaim its former dominance or fade into irrelevance remains uncertain—a lingering question of revival or a cautionary tale of missed opportunities.
kksperera1@gmail.com
