UNP did not provide leadership for Presidential Campaign: Tissa Attanayake

Colombo (News 1st): Former General Secretary of the United National Party, Tissa Attanayake says, pointing fingers at each other instead of taking collective responsibility, would only hinder their journey towards rebuilding. He made these remarks, issuing a statement in reply to a statement which was issued by the General Secretary of the United National Party, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, which had explained the process which was followed in gearing up for the Presidential Election and how responsibility had been delegated. In his statement, Tissa Attanayake says, the release issued by Akila Viraj Kariyawasam on the 20th of November, has deliberately concealed the truth by blaming the Presidential Election Operations Office situated at Vauxhall Street. The statement further notes, Sajith Premadasa had been given Presidential candidacy, a week after the date for the Presidential Election was announced, adding that the delay had acted as a major obstacle for Sajith Premadasa's victory. Tissa Attanayake notes, although party leaders were responsible to create grass-root organizations and provide leadership to Parliamentarians, Organisers and Trade Unions, there is a considerable doubt as to whether it had occurred according to a streamlined manner with proper leadership and that all leaders should tap in to their conscience and question as to whether they had fulfilled their duties to the best of their abilities. Tissa Attanayake notes, at times, party supporters and representatives had taken more responsibility towards ensuring the victory of Sajith Premadasa, since a proper leadership had not been provided from within the party. Tissa Attanayake also adds, the purpose of the Presidential Election Operations Office situated at Vauxhall Street, was to organize the string of rallies which Sajith Premadasa attended, organize special meetings and events, coordinate with all parties and civil organizations which were part of the United National Front and to actively include them in election-related activities. He adds, all those activities had been fulfilled efficiently and effectively. The statement further reads former Chairman of the UNP Malik Samarawickreme had been named the Operations Manager of the main election steering committee. It also requests for those responsible to recall the advice which had been provided during two meetings, one with the Prime Minister and the other between Party Leaders. The release issued by Tissa Attanayake also claims, during the meetings which took place with the attendance of the Prime Minister and the candidate, advice regarding the election campaign had been provided by Operations Manager Malik Samarawickreme, Chairman Kabir Hashim and General Secretary Akhila Viraj Kariyawasam. Tissa Attanayake also notes, the tacit threat which was issued, ordering not to invite party organizers and managers to the Presidential Election Operations Office situated at Vauxhall Street, cannot be hidden anymore. Writing further, Tissa Attanayake claims, that although a finance committee had been put in place headed by Malik Samarawickreme, to allocate funds for the election campaign, Tissa Attanayake had been neither a member nor a coordinator of the said committee. He adds that Akila Viraj Kariyawasam has full knowledge of it. In his statement, Tissa Attanayake has spoken of the impediments to the journey of rebuilding the party. He states victory and defeat are two staples of an election. He also calls for collective responsibility to be taken up stating that fulfilling one's responsibility is of utmost importance. He also adds, if one does not fulfill his/her responsibility and instead tries to pass the buck, it would only result in a hindrance to the journey of rebuilding and resurrecting the party. Finally, Tissa Attanayake states, failing to accept shortcomings and attempting to avoid responsibility for it without paying attention to team spirit, is a shameful act.