DPF splits from UNF

22 April 2010 05:25 am - 71 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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By Jamila Najmuddin

The Democratic People’s Front (DPF) has split from the United National Front (UNF) over the failure by the Opposition Leader Ranil Wickramasinghe to allocate a national list slot for DPF Leader Mano Ganesan who had lost the recent General Elections.

DPF National Organiser and brother of Mano Ganesan, Member of Parliament Prabha Ganesan told Daily Mirror online that the party had run into problems with the UNF when the opposition had finalized its national list slots for parliament on Wednesday and therefore decided to split from the alliance.

“We have run into problems with the UNF and therefore have decided to split. We will not reconsider our decision,” Ganesan said.

The DPF decision to split came after the party issued a warning on Tuesday evening to the opposition stating that it will be forced to counter react if the UNP reneges on its deal with the party concerning national list slots in parliament.

Praba Ganesan had warned publicly that if the UNP 'betrayed' the party and if there was a breach of understanding between the DPF and UNP, on the national list slots then it would be compelled to counter react.

Political sources told Daily Mirror online that the government has already approached the DPF after it learnt of the party’s decision to split from the UNF and invited them to join the government.

Discussions are currently underway between the government and the DPF and a decision will be taken by DPF Leader Mano Ganesan soon. “The DPF is considering the invitation,” political sources said.

Meanwhile DPF Leader Mano Ganesan, told Daily Mirror online said that his party's polit bureau will be meeting today evening and tomorrow to discuss the party's future. (Daily Mirror online)

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Comments - 71

Thursday, 22 April 2010 08:10 AM

UNP members should not forget that their own deputy leader Karu with 25 odd UNP MPs went and joined the government. Karu has come back and prettily seated as the deputy to Ranil again. UNP has accepted him but the people of Gampaha have dropped him to the bottom. Even Rauf Hakeem went and came back. But Mano stood with UNP all along the path. But he trusted Ranil too much than the party UNP. This is his honest mistake.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 09:51 AM

You correct shiran,mano never betrayed the UNP like Karu and 25 members those who went to UNFA.When ever problem came he was with Ranil and he played the major role in the Presidential election.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 09:28 AM

mnsmart
I am a teacher at a estate scholl in Panvila, in Kandy. We will elect a Tamil MP next time. We have been educated this time by Mano. We face problems that are not faced by Sinhalese and Muslims in Kandy. But we will overcome. Is it wrong to wish for a Tamil MP in Kandy? Please do not close democratic doors for us and make comments in haste. Try to understand issues in a balanced manner.
Kandyan Tamil

Thursday, 22 April 2010 09:23 AM

Dear Mano, If you cant win on your own merit then dont expect to get in via the back door (national list).
There are several others like Muzammil, Rajabdeen etc who are more senior but lost and were not put on the nationl list either.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 09:19 AM

Dear mnsmart,
We Tamils in the remote estates are hit, prevented and intimidated during the elections.Come to Kandy's plantations and see for yourself. It is not only Nawalapitiya but also in Gampola, Hewaheta, Phatadumbara and Rangla estates. This is the story in all past elections for the last 15 years in Kandy. Thanks to Mano at least a part of the injustices have come to light.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 08:45 AM

Mano did not go to Kandy to take a challenge, but to give a slot for his brother too to go to Parliament. And now he cannot expect to have the best of both worlds. UNP should stick to their decision not to appoint defeated candidates from the National List as it is morally not right to bring in to Parliament candidates rejected by the people.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 08:34 AM

I am a Jaffna born Tamil living in Colombo. We voted for Mr. Praba Ganesan. That vote is for Mr. Mano Ganesan. I will be glad if the DPF takes a decision to support with UPFA. Many of my friends today at my office are of this opinion. Mano’s presence in parliament is more important to us to us than we need Ranil himself there. This is the Colombo Tamil mind set today. Not Ranil but Mano is the man who stood with us during the trying times. We realize the true color of UNP and Ranil. We are waiting for the Colombo Municipal Elections. We will vote for the UPFA.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 08:25 AM

IF THEY DO IT WILL BE THE END FOR THEM TOO....no minority party will ever be able to contest in an election. This would be undemocratic...

Thursday, 22 April 2010 08:14 AM

Mano could have easily got elected from Colombo.
Bad decision by Ranil not get him on NL.
I think Ranil is also going to be Sinhalese patriot, ignoring minorities.
Hakeem will follow soon.
UNP needs new leader.
UNP should realize that Tamils and Muslims were United to built this National Party with DS.
I suggest Sajith to go forward.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 09:53 AM

If Mano didnt want to contest from Kandy, he should have said so before the elections. Now that he has lost he is trying to come in through the National list. It good Ranil did not back out of his decision not to field losers on the national list. Otherwise, he could easily have got Sagala & Vajira in through the backdoor - on the national list. Well done Ranil. Dont worry. There are enough of good men out there.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 08:09 AM

I totally agree with you.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 08:06 AM

Correct Ranil made a blunder. Premadasa or even Mahinda would not have done this. We will not support UNP anymore. We will rather support UPFA.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 08:05 AM

I agree with you Ela ...Mano and Tamil Arasu Party supports the government for the 3:2. If they do it, it will be a great move towards the Future of a peaceful nation.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 08:04 AM

EVERYONE COULD SEE THE CHEAP POLITICS OF RANIL WICKREMASINGHE......... ONLY GREEDY FOR POWER .........
WHAT A DISGRACE FOR THE UNP............ THE LATE DS SENANAYAKE AND DUDLEY SENANAYAKE MUST BE ROLLING IN THEIR GRAVES.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 08:03 AM

Mr Kandyan Tamil: There is no point in talking and writing long sentenses when you have failed to get Mr Mano Ganesan Elected. He may have done lots of good things but what did you do to him ??? I know one day when UPFA does not support you, you will be back supporting UNP for sure....

Thursday, 22 April 2010 08:02 AM

Hello UNP members, you are saying that defeated candidates should not be given nomination to down cut Mano. Do you guys and gals know that UNP has given nomination Daya Gamage, the defeated UNP candidate in Amparai? Daya’s wife Anoma Gamage is nominated now. Daya will replace her in coming weeks. Ranil is trying to fool the country and the party. But he can’t anymore fool the Tamils. We have had enough with this man. We can’t accept this condition at all. As Kandyan Tamil says Mano went to Kandy taking a challenge.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 08:01 AM

Dear Kandyan Tamil, why didn't you vote and elect him when the opportunity was granted? Now don't blame Ranil or anyone else. be brave next time.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 07:56 AM

What UNP did was correct,not to appoint anyone who was rejected at the election.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 10:33 AM

Mano should be in Parliment............

Thursday, 22 April 2010 07:57 PM

Ranil, how many more to go from the UNP, under your leadership? In the end, you will find yourself all alone.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 06:02 PM

While Mano was with the UNP he was branded 'pro LTTE.' Now that he is out, do you want to paint him a 'patriot'?

Thursday, 22 April 2010 04:24 PM

It is not the leadership that should change in the 'grand old party,' but its policy. It should lean towards Sri Lankans, rather than the West. It supported the West's stance against the war, to please them, but earned the displeasure of the majority of Sri Lankans.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 11:55 AM

Hemantha, better check your facts. The oil refinery was a Russian aid project during Mrs.B's premiership. I lived in Gonawala during Ranil's reign and there were even two massive water filled pot holes down Maguruwila Road where the residents had fixed two boards naming them Wickremasinghe Wewa 1 and 2.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 11:38 AM

Dear Kandyan Tamil,
I pray for the children who learn from you. what I mentioned is when the the ball is in your court, play. don't blame others after loosing the given opportunity, but blame yourselves. why you guys are hesitant to utilize the chance of electing a guy in your community? RW has taken the correct decision.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 11:15 AM

We need principled politics in this country. Despite all the weaknesses of Ranil, this is the only reason why he stands tall amongst all other politicians.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 11:09 AM

How can it be a challenge. In a challenge, you are prepared to lose. Here, he expects to win both ways.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 10:36 AM

Henathak ....Colombo Tamils votes going UNP because of this Great MAN MANO…

Thursday, 22 April 2010 07:52 AM

at last UNP on the right track !! way to go...

Thursday, 22 April 2010 10:27 AM

Not again ......... Mano is not LTTE ...... We know who?

Thursday, 22 April 2010 10:27 AM

Mano we are with you........

Thursday, 22 April 2010 10:26 AM

chaminda get a life machang! there is no one left out who helps LTTE, LTTE is now over get over it.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 10:24 AM

Exactly machang even a friend of mine who is a Tamil in colombo was telling this was the last time they voting for UNP

Thursday, 22 April 2010 10:23 AM

Yes now the minority realize the stupidity of voting for UNP and no more minorities will votes for UNP

Thursday, 22 April 2010 10:22 AM

Yes Thats true who the heck is this Daya Gamage and his wife ? If they were given the seat even after being defeated....! why cant they give the Seat to Mano who did a lot to UNP via minority votes, also he and Hakeem was strongly behind UNP / SF in the last Presidential election.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 10:19 AM

Why would it be undemocratic ...? Its better to support the government rather than hanging with UNP ?

Thursday, 22 April 2010 09:53 AM

mr president,
i have read that they what to join the govt pls do not entertain
any of close to you.we have suffered for the last so many years due to their LTTE agenda its no hidden secret if any of them are accepted i suppose only one i will get on the streets all by my self i have no fear.

ds

Thursday, 22 April 2010 06:09 AM

RW at last you have taken a good decision. Let these opportunists split away. Build the UNP now with real UNPers and found a strong opposition to counter the Government in the future.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 06:26 AM

Agree with u shantha. It will be greatly appreciated if Mahinda also won't accept this opportunists to the government.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 06:26 AM

Sour grapes

Thursday, 22 April 2010 06:26 AM

sweet !

Thursday, 22 April 2010 06:22 AM

People rejected him at the election, now he wants to be in the parliament to voice his personal concerns-not for the good of the Tamils. Good move by UNP

Thursday, 22 April 2010 06:21 AM

Mano, it is unethical for you to seek access to the Parliament through the National List when you have been already rejected by the voters.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 06:15 AM

what was this dude(MG) thinking ? good on you RW.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 06:14 AM

Then Madawa, the man who was called "the worst Army Commander in the World" and "not even fit to lead the Salvation Army" was made the Presidential Candidate! You must have a very bad memory

Thursday, 22 April 2010 06:10 AM

Mr. Mano if you loose while contesting, then how can you ask for the National List? tamils have already rejected you and lost the confidence in you.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 06:29 AM

Most of the comments are one sided. Mano Ganesan did come to Kandy taking a challenge. He did bring the injustices faced by the Tamil people in Kandy (Nawalapitiya) during every election to the notice of the nation. that is one thing. The national list matter is another. All the country knows about the role Mano, Mangala and Rauf played in the combined opposition. They gave life to UNP led opposition. And in Mano’s case he fought against the HR violations, He should be in the Parliament. UNP after working as UNF cannot own the national list totally. Ranil made a blunder. Premadasa or even Mahinda would not have done this. We Tamils will not support UNP anymore. We will rather support UPFA. - Kandyan Tamil

Thursday, 22 April 2010 06:08 AM

I appreciate Mr. Ranil's straight dicision!! Well done Sir!! This action will be appreciated by the whole country.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 06:03 AM

thanks ranil to you.for not appointing defeated candidates for the people.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 05:56 AM

There are enough and more tamils in Kandy. if they are not confident with him, what to do? work hard to win their trust and try at the next general election. good luck

Thursday, 22 April 2010 05:43 AM

Didnt Mano's brother get in from Colombo? Then what is he grumbling about. Is it sibling rivalry? He should have worked harder for his community then he would have won. Why didnt he contest from Colombo, and send his brother to Kandy?

Thursday, 22 April 2010 05:42 AM

The same man who was branded as a "Traitor" by the "Patriots" during Prez election is being invited. LOL... this is funny

Thursday, 22 April 2010 05:42 AM

Yes, all these fellows always want to eat out of UNP's flesh only! Mano Ganeshan should have foreseen this situation when he decided to contest Kandy, where he does not stand a chance and allowed his brother to contest there. Having made the fatal mistake himself how can he blame Ranil for not giving him a place in the NL? Furthermore, as the Party has decided NOT to nominate any to the NL, on a matter of morality, Mano should respect that decision. Ranil should not sway and should stick to his stand!

Thursday, 22 April 2010 05:41 AM

Smart Alec, Ranil was never in Kelaniya, he was in Biyagama and Ranil is the main man behind Biyagama development

Thursday, 22 April 2010 05:34 AM

Thank God! At least now let the UNP can go it alone under a New Leadership.
Even Mervin Silva has done better things for Kelaniya than Ranil did when he represented Kelaniya..

Thursday, 22 April 2010 07:03 AM

Hemantha,

How did Ranil develop Biyagama???? He only developed Gonawals Sunil!!!!

Thursday, 22 April 2010 07:44 AM

Believe this behind the scene wheeler dealing should be stopped. UNF was totally right in not appointing candidates who were rejected by the people, and it is not ethical for the losers to ask that they be appointed against the peoples wish. This cleary shows that these guys do not act on Pricipals and policies but only for their own personal gains. Just wonder what the future of the country is with these type of fellows.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 07:40 AM

Taurus,

FTZ of Biyagama, Oil refinery of Sapugaskanda, Bridge over Kelani River in Kaduwela are few things among many during Ranil's tenure in Biyagama.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 07:40 AM

Everyone should think of this situation in a different Manner, This incident will make UNP loose the minority votes. I think it is time for the minorities to realize the true face of UNP.
It it not even something to wonder if Tamil Arasu Party supports the government for the 3:2. If they do it, it will be a great move towards the Future of a peaceful nation.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 07:28 AM

Neither Mano Ganeshan or any other losing candidated should be included in the national list. National list is used as a back door to enter the parliament. In fact this list should contain only those who did not contest but could be an asset if are in the parliament. Like technocrats and other professionals who are not affiliated to any party. That would be the correct procedure.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 07:26 AM

Kandyan Tamil, i feel your desperation. You say Mano fought against HR violations. Then how come he worked for LTTE? Did he oppose the human massacres LTTE carried out?

Thursday, 22 April 2010 07:22 AM

What if you gave someone a gift, and they neglected to thank you for it--would you be likely to give them another? Life is the same way. In order to attract more of the blessings that life has to offer, you must truly appreciate what you already have.
Ralph Marston

Thursday, 22 April 2010 07:13 AM

I think almost 100% UNP voters are behind Ranil on this decision. Something which happened after a long time. Those people only damaged the image of a great party. UNP will not lose anything by kicking this man out.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 07:08 AM

Ranil is right not to grant him a seat from the NL. What does he expect from a handful of votes?

President should not take him.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 05:29 AM

Good. It's good 2 C these guys going out from a good party like UNP

Thursday, 22 April 2010 07:01 AM

Praba Ganeshan got elected because of Mano.Mano should have been given a slot as he is one member who speaks on behalf of any injustice to the community.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 06:52 AM

This is best for the UNP. now you can stand on your own and you have 5 good years. throw out these people who's jumping here and there for their own benefit. UNP, u must stand on your own. then we will support you. take youths who can work to the front row. then we will vote for UNP again

Thursday, 22 April 2010 06:51 AM

Manikesh, you have a bad memory not anyone else. He was hailed as the best commander in the world. But that changed when he was made as a Presidential Candidate. After that he was as bad as all the oppositions...

Thursday, 22 April 2010 06:48 AM

I agree with you Kasturi. he always stood for Justice at the correct time in the past. Mr. Ranil should treat him better. UNP might lose their support from minorities.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 06:44 AM

@Manikesh... Yes... Its all about the bad trend of politics in SL. the Public just fight each other. they do not try to see a future together.... they Do not try to accept each and everything just because you support one party. Learn to analyze the good and the bad....

Thursday, 22 April 2010 06:32 AM

UNP has made use of Mano Ganesan several times for their presidential other elections. According to a confidential source of information Mano Ganesan was promised by Ranil that he would be a given a seat from the National list if he fails in the elections in Kandy. Mano Ganesan is a National leader who has always stood for Justice at the correct time in the past. Considering this issue, as a citizen of Srilanka I feel that he should have been given a seat in the National List by Ranil for Manos past performance using the discretion as a party leader of UNP.

Thursday, 22 April 2010 06:30 AM

Most of the comments are one sided. Mano Ganesan did come to Kandy taking a challenge. He did bring the injustices faced by the Tamil people in Kandy (Nawalapitiya) during every election to the notice of the nation. It is one thing. The national list matter is another. All country knows about the role Mano, Mangala and Rauf played in the combined opposition. They gave life to UNP led opposition. And in Mano’s case he fought against the HR violations, He should be in the Parliament. UNP after working as UNF cannot own the national list totally. Ranil made a blunder. Premadasa or even Mahinda would not have done this. We Tamils will not support UNP anymore. We will rather support UPFA.

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DPF splits from UNF

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