By The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) finds itself at a critical juncture, grappling with internal strife and legal battles triggered by former President Maithripala Sirisena’s disruptive actions. There are others such as Dayasiri Jayasekara who comment that former President Chandrika Kumaratunga is in a conspiracy to destroy the party.
This turmoil is certainly threatening the party’s survival and there are others who are questioning if such party should be in existence at all because the party is interested in power play for the benefit of a few individuals.
There is also a schoolof thought that suggests that the crisis presents an opportunity for rejuvenation if handled in a pragmatic and strategic manner.
Sirisena’s recent moves, including the dismissal of key party figures and his role in internal conflicts, have prompted a response from the SLFP leadership, culminating in an injunction against him, spearheaded by former President Chandrika Kumaratunga. Nimal Siripala de Silva has been appointed as an interim leader, chosen more for his seniority than his leadership prowess.
It is unlikely that Nimal Siripala de Silva has thae ability to leadership to resolve the crises because he will be obliged to support Ranil Wickrmasighsingha’s presidential aspirations.
The SLFP’s decline can be traced back to Sirisena’s ambition for party leadership and subsequent rifts within. His failed attempt to align with the Rajapaksas further exacerbated the party’s woes. With established political entities like the UNP and SLPP also facing challenges, there’s a vacuum in Sri Lankan politics that the SLFP could exploit if it overcomes its internal hurdles.
Removing Sirisena from the equation could pave the way for the party’s reform and resurgence but the alternative remains unclear . While the Bandaranaikes’ legacy looms over the SLFP, there’s potential for a new leadership to steer the party towards a more dignified and inclusive direction, capitalizing on the goodwill they still command among the masses. How ever it is not clear if former President Chandrika Kumaratunga is capaeable of mustering support from the party membership which is very much disintegrated and divided
However, navigating the legal complexities and addressing past mistakes are prerequisites for any meaningful reform.
The SLFP must confront these challenges head-on to avoid oblivion and emerge as a credible alternative in the political landscape. Failure to seize this opportunity would not only spell doom for the party but also deprive Sri Lanka of much-needed political diversity and stability.
