The special ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) message issued by former Governor and senior United National Party (UNP) member Navin Dissanayake, publicly declaring his non-participation in the upcoming party meeting in Nugegoda, has once again created a farcical drama within opposition politics. He argues that “politics with the Rajapaksas can never be trusted” and that the UNP should unite with parties like the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and not with the ‘Pohottuwa’ (SLPP).
However, a closer look at Mr. Dissanayake’s sudden ‘pure’ stance requires a recollection of his own political history.
The Shadow of Forgotten Ministries
Navin Dissanayake, who today publicly declares the untrustworthiness of politics with the Rajapaksas, was a strong partner in that very regime in the past. During 2014/2015, he served as the Minister of Public Administration and Home Affairs in the then Mahinda Rajapaksa government, and previously as the Minister of Plantation Industries, directly contributing to the government’s important decisions.
Critics label his sudden adoption of the ‘untrustworthy’ ethical narrative as the height of political hypocrisy, given that he was closely involved with the Rajapaksa family for years, except for the moment he decided to leave the Mahinda Rajapaksa government for political gain and support a common candidate. His position is not policy-based but rather driven by personal ambitions and political opportunism.
Opposition Crisis and the NPP’s Comfort
While the UNP Working Committee has officially decided to attend the Nugegoda meeting, Mr. Dissanayake’s open dissent clearly demonstrates the continuous instability and internal conflicts within the opposition’s old guard. There is no consensus within the UNP, even on the simple matter of whether the opposition should ally with the Rajapaksas or oppose them.
This situation presents a significant advantage to the current National People’s Power (NPP) government. The NPP government is currently facing serious accusations, including failure to restore the country’s economy, political vendettas (such as the expedited case against Ranil Wickremesinghe within a month), and misuse of state institutions (such as police quotas ordered for the Tangalle rally).
As the traditional opposition grapples with personal protests and historical issues, it becomes easy for the NPP government to advance its political agenda without any challenge. Navin Dissanayake’s ‘X’ message can be described as a unique political gift to the current NPP government from a ruinously divided opposition. Although the statement expresses anti-Rajapaksa sentiment, the ultimate result is the consolidation of the NPP regime’s existence.
