Comments on: Intra-Party Democracy

By: Shanil

Shanil — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:38:21 +0000

Agreed Justin. But the issue is far more entrenched. The war is a very convenient mechanism for corruption, malpractice and false promises. It’s not solely based on prejudice but in fact prejudice is a tool and an active product of the war-machine. On both sides I’d argue.

That said …just like “Anti-Sinhalese” sentiment cannot be removed while state oppression continues, nor can “Anti-Tamilism” be removed from the average Sri Lankan’s mind if they (LTTE and its supporters) continue a savage, terrorist struggle.

I find it rather disturbing how individuals intellectualize the LTTE, totally blindsiding their savage violence while harping on about the lack of democratic ideals in Sri Lanka…comparing it to all sorts of brutal regimes. The ends justify the means? I don’t think so. This struggle has gone on for over two dirty decades for anyone to emerge with a clean conscience.

By: Justin

Justin — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:40:41 +0000

Democratic principles are not known well and practiced in the country. How could we expect intra party democracy.

To be a successful political party amongst the Sinhalese, all what is needed is anti-Tamilism and not democracy.

Anti-Tamilism should be eliminated if democracy is to be practiced in Sri Lanka.

By: sham

sham — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 06:22:33 +0000

if the leadership of UNP has any brians he would step down or actually hold a secreat ballot. cos if we take other fields any CEO, lawyer, surgeon who has failed so many times would have to leave hisher post. its only just that UNP does the same with the people. he should understand that he would not be accomodated by rural masses. best to leave fast rather than be pushed. if you notice, all the proponants in UNP are in the western province which may not be enough to win a election with the current system.

By: bawa

bawa — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:35:22 +0000

Am not surprised that the UNP is centralized most conservative political parties have a similar structure…. just as well since the majority of the members in most parties barring the JVP have very little political knowledge or intellect…

As far as intra-party democracy in this counry is concerned I guess the JVP comes out on top.. they have a structured heirachy etc.
Which is non-existent in other mainstream parties viz. the SLFP, UNP.

By: Economist

Economist — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:45:10 +0000

The UNP today is not a party with too much of intelligence residing in it. Ranil is the only educated man capable of thinking. But there is no internal democracy in the party. It was fashioned by JR as a highly centralized organization. For the sake of the country and for leading the struggle against a vicious dictatorship we need Ranil. But he must go for a vote of confidence among the general membership. He should do so for the sake of the country. As for the rabble they should be dealt with if he wins the vote of confidence.