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Ranil will not step down

10 April 2010 06:40 am - 49     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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By Kshanika Argent


Leader of the United National Party (UNP) Ranil Wickramasingha says he will not step down as the party leader despite the UNP losing the recent General Elections and attributes his party’s defeat on the electoral system and not a lack of faith in him.

Speaking to reporters at a press briefing in Colombo a short while ago, the UNP leader said that he will step down “when the time is right” and that now the party has a responsibility towards the voters who decided not to cast their vote.

He says that although the government was elected it had no clear mandate as most of the people had decided to avoid casting their votes. Election monitors had said that this was the worst voter turnout in recent times.

The UNP leader noted that usually approximately 75.9 % of the registered voters cast their votes in parliamentary polls but this time it was only 56 %, despite there being peace in the country with the end of the war last year.

Meanwhile, leader of the SLFP (M) Wing and UNF Party Secretary Mangala Samarawera stated, “Throughout history, some of the most brutal, anti democratic and dictatorial regimes have been brought into existence not by extremists but by the inactive silence of the vast majority."

Samarawera explained, “If you look at the number of votes against the UPFA and the number that abstained from voting it is clear that 45% of our population are against the present regime. We know that there are moves underway to silence the media, and to control the internet and we hope that this regime does not manipulate the constitution to legitimize their dictatorial ambitions.”

It was also stated that the UNP is going to push for the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) in order to protect the civilian population and media rights.

ICCPR is a multilateral treaty adopted by the United Nations General Assembly and commits its parties to respect the civil and political rights of individuals, including the right to life, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, electoral rights and rights to due process and a fair trial. (Daily Mirror online).


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  Comments - 49

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  • Saturday, 10 April 2010 08:18 AM

    Ranil not to blame in an era where people crossover for personal gain. Laws should be put in place to rob the seats of those who crossover.

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 07:37 AM

    Why i'm not surprised. Poor UNP is destined to be in the opposition for the next 100 years.

    This is real dictatorship without any political bias

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 07:40 AM

    President Rajapakse will be very unhappy if you step down right. now. You are uncountably his greatest strength to win elections.

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 07:40 AM

    Ranil Ranil Ranil.. who are you trying to fool? You want to contest the next presidential, don't you?? But do you know the last presidential results have not been effective yet, let alone next. Anyway, take Colombo, UNF+DNA vote count is not far from what Fonseka was polled at the presidential. Take Gampaha or Kurunegala, the story is the same. The majority who did not vote were the UPFA supporters who couldn't be bothered because their win was written on the moon. So don't say you represent those who didn't vote, because they wouldn't vote for you anyway. Find a new line and pass the buck now to a young man who understands the pulse of the nation, who knows that there still are villages with no water, electricity and telephone. Or even more importantly there are villages where the nearest point an ambulance can reach is about two miles from the village.

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 07:43 AM

    Whatever the decision is it is too late now and the damage is already done.A party that does not have a clear policy to challenge the government need not explain now.To stay or leave will not be his decision any more.It is a matter of self respect and ethics. It shall be the party responsibility to look for replacements and also to appoint some other person as the Leader of the Opposition. No one is indispensable and specially Mr. Wickramasinghe who has not been able to establish a clear political view inside and out side.

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 07:43 AM

    This is the last chance to partcipate to build a good constitution. JR uncle's master plan now became uncurable cancer. So do that and stop politics for which you are not at all suitable. The best thing you can do.

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 07:44 AM

    What he forgets to mention is that Nearly all of the people who didn't vote were UNPers who are fed up with his leadership.

    Please sir, Don't step down. Ever. With you as leader there is no hope of UNP ever being able to topple any SLFP backed alliance.

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 07:44 AM

    National curse.

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 07:48 AM

    When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. Go ahead Sir. You have all the qualities to be the Leader and the President of Srilanka i.e Political wisdom, Economics, International acceptance, Language fluency and everything else to steer the country towards development but unfortunately the eyes of the majority of the voters are veiled hence it is a situation of the blind following the blind. Perhaps it could be even the man proposes but the God disposes.

    Take it easy sir, I wish you good luck .

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 07:52 AM

    Ranil stepping down is not the solution to this election.
    The team should be more vigorous, cos, we forget
    all wars, ethnic tension, etc., just by broadcasting a cricket match, or a good movie etc.,
    But all credit to the present govt, for having systemically
    defeated the opposition, and as well as sidelining there
    people unwanted in parliament, .
    Hats off to IT, and their counter parts.
    a job well done.

    If president won the pr.election by 1.8 he should have a
    substantial result in the gen.election.
    So the pattern was drawn, and concluded.

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 08:00 AM

    To lose the newly elected UNP members to MR for perks???

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 08:07 AM

    Yes 20% OF VOTERS DID NOT VOTE AND YES, THEY ARE UNP'ers and YES, they don't want you. It is time for you to go!

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 08:11 AM

    If Ranil steps down immediately, the UNP and the country stands to gain. If not, both the UNP and the country stand to lose a great deal.

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 07:35 AM

    what about the electoral right to contest under the UNP ?
    freedom of assembly with the GOVT ?
    a fair trial to remain as a minister ?
    and of course the freedom of speech against you Mr. RW ?

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 08:23 AM

    Hahaha!!!!This is really great for MR.I heard an Astrologer saying that MR will govern the country for next 20 years and Rajapakshas for another 70 years .I was wondering how,until i saw this!!?

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 08:23 AM

    ranil ranil go away... never come back any day...
    .UNP'rs need a new leader.......

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 08:32 AM

    Leader for Life or Loser for Life? Let the UNP Decide!

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 08:32 AM

    Well, the system was created by your great uncle JR!!

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 08:33 AM

    You said the presidential poll was a computer "gilmart".
    This was the re- poll.
    We won't push you too much 'cos you might end up in MR's
    cabinet like your deputy, at least till the next elections.

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 08:41 AM

    Give a chance to SAGITH PREMADASA to lead the UNP, and Ranil with Karu assist him in a genuine effort. Dont worry about the defeat at this general election. Good Luck

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 08:42 AM

    100% true!!Totally agreed.

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 08:53 AM

    Shame on you Mr. Wickramasingha ,, give way to Mr. Ruwan Wijewardana .

    Sunday, 11 April 2010 03:15 AM

    If not for JR's PR system HOw many electrates you have won? Step down and work with UNP and give the leader ship to a person who could go to the grassroots.

    Sunday, 11 April 2010 03:35 AM

    PLEASE GO. THIS NOT YOUR PROPERTY LEAVE IT TO SAJITH/ DAYASIRI/ RUWAN/ AND BUDDIKA THEY WILL SURE WIN THE NEXT ELECTION

    Sunday, 11 April 2010 05:00 AM

    THIS TIME TOO YOU RAN NIL. KEEP ON DOING YOUR GOOD JOB UNTILL UNP WIPE OUT FROM SRI LANKAN POLITICS.

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 07:08 AM

    When did he ever quit? LOL after losing how many times will he quit? 100????

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 06:46 AM

    At last gone for good

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 06:48 AM

    Yes Ranil, you're right :)

    You have a better 'tikiri mole' than the rest of the UNP. You managed to put the defeat on the poor SF last time, and it's the electoral system this time.

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 06:49 AM

    Take a look at the decline in the amount of prefferential votes you got!. Stop being delusional and do the right thing! STEP DOWN!

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 06:50 AM

    Shame on you Ranil, Please give way to Sajith Premadasa.

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 06:52 AM

    Well said.You can enjoy till2016!At that time also if you are around,can say the same thing.......

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 06:53 AM

    After the MR premadasa,The UNP is going down.UNP schould change the leadership and there opinion. The UPFA leadership 50 time powerfull than UNP.peoples dont belive anymore MR Ranil wikramasinha.

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 06:54 AM

    Very true. This defeat has nothing to do with him. Even Paba has got more votes thn Karu. Something wrong with the system. It is time for MR and RW to sit to gether and put the system right.

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 06:56 AM

    Ranilan is a good leader, if not for his traitorous agenda! Besides, no one in the UNP has taken more votes than him.

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 06:58 AM

    Good Gentleman but poor leadership.

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 07:01 AM

    Yes, Ranil should not step down as the UNP leader. If he step down, then UNP will start winning elections. So Ranil, the dear leader of UNP, hang in there buddy, drag UNP down to the grave with you.

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 07:08 AM

    Good Luck MR, Your are true gentlemen!

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 06:44 AM

    PLEASE GO AND GIVE SAJEV A CHANCE

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 07:12 AM

    Shameless Ranil wishes that UNP never comes to power until he dies. Born Looser?

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 07:14 AM

    If Wimal can beat you I think its time to pack your bags and allow somebody to build a good opposition

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 07:17 AM

    God bless to their Party supportors..

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 07:17 AM

    never say die paradunath (worst defete) but try

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 07:18 AM

    well said sir. you are a real gentleman. we need your service as the opposition leader

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 07:18 AM

    God sake, don't step down be there for the next elections. we wish you good heath and long life.

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 07:19 AM

    Ranil is the sick man of Sri Lanka politics. Chandrika loved him, MR loves him to stay for ever as the Leader of the Opposition.

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 07:21 AM

    Ayyooo !!!

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 07:25 AM

    Ranil Should continue, Since the defeats are not his faults, Remember Failiers are the Pillers of Success. And All Mighty God is the Most Justise.

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 07:32 AM

    Sir, You have done enough,you are no match to MR please for the sake of this great party step down yr self as a gentelmen and let Sajith to take over.

    Saturday, 10 April 2010 07:34 AM

    This man has to stop his attempt in destroying the image of our motherland.
    It is required to understand the reality rather than living in his own dream world.


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