JHU of Sri Lanka likely to quit the government?

(July 05, 2009) Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) the monk dominated Sinhala Buddhist nationalist-religious political party of Sri Lanka is likely to revoke its support to the government following a meeting with the President Mahinda Rajapakse tomorrow, the observers say.

The party is under pressure due to the government's proclaimed stance on implementing the 13th amendment of the constitution fully that devolves the police and land powers to the Provincial Councils. The government has to take this minimal measure to mend its relationships with the Western powers and the neighboring India that urge the government to redress the political problems of the Tamils.

JHU's power contender Marxist nationalist People's Liberation Front (JVP) has already taken a hardline stand against the 13th amendment. JHU is in fear of losing its Sinhala nationalist vote base as a result of being a coalition partner of a government that devolves power to Tamils.

However, at present, the JHU is not in a position to go to a direct clash with the all powerful President, the observers say. Their stand will mostly be catalized by the actions the JVP will take against the 13th amendment, they say.

Strife within Sri Lanka government pro and against the implementation of the 13th amendment to the constitution

Sri Lanka Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) chief strategist Champika Ranawaka issued a severe warning to the government on June 29, 2009 at a press conference held in Colombo. He warned JHU would resign from the government if it proceeded in fully implementing or exceeding the 13th amendment to the constitution.


With this statement Champika outshines as a leader of a party that would not appease with a post of cabinet minister, several MPs and Provincial Councilors. He shows that the JHU will take the challenges in power politics and will march forward. 


It is a challenge to the JHU's main contender People's Liberation Front (JVP) as well. In the recent years, JVP's political strategy was parallel to the JHU's. 


In the post-Tamil Tiger period, clear division can be seen among the second level leaders of the government regarding the implementation of the 13th amendment to the constitution that was introduced in 1987 under the influence of India. Provincial Councils were established under it in 1988 but they were not fully implemented with police and land powers. 

Unofficial sources say that India has stressed Sri Lanka to fully implement the 13th amendment when a top level government delegation visited the regional power center recently. It is understood that the top leadership of the government remains silent diplomatically although they are not interested in power sharing with Tamils. 


Meanwhile, the National Freedom Front (JNP) has also begun campaigning against the 13th amendment and a seminar organized by party front organization Patriotic National Movement is to be held on July 07 in Colombo.

We learn that lobbying within the government against the 13th amendment has already begun but many ministers remain vigilant regarding the developments without taking a stance. They wait for the sides to gather momentum amidst local and foreign influence. 


Meanwhile, the All Party Representative Committee (APRC) that was appointed by the President to propose ways for power devolution is going to propose to exceed the 13th amendment to the constitution with clearly defining the powers of the Provincial Council and the Center. The concurrent list is to be abrogated accordingly, in addition to some other constitutional reforms. JHU also represented the APRC that was chaired by Minister of Science and Technology Thissa Vitharana, a member of the Trotskyist Lanka Samasamaja Party.

June 30, 2009