Elections of 1994 and events thereafter

After listening to me he said that he had asked CBK about it and that it was premature to decide on Wijetunga's request.

- Sarath Amunugama

Sarath Amunugama

I did not know then that she had no intention of abolishing the Executive Presidency now that she had ascended the "Gadi". It was rumoured that she had consulted JRJ who had advised her that with her Parliamentary majority of one it would be suicidal to let go of the Presidency which she could soon contest as Wijetunga's term was coming to an end. According to my information JRJ had told CBK that "She would last only five months as PM but would remain for five years if she was the executive President".

CBK apparently thought that it was good advice. There was much hostility in the faction ridden SLFP to her assuming the premiership and there was open lobbying to appoint Mrs. B as the new PM. She was requested to serve as a minister in her mother's Cabinet. This has been confirmed in CBKs recently published biography. Wijetunga however graciously recognized CBK, made her comfortable in the new environment by serving "Kevum and Kiribath" and thereby earned the respect of the young new leader of the country. CBK was appointed PM by him and she then set her eyes on the Presidency albeit with the pledge that she would later ensure the abolition of JRJ's "Bahubootha" creation as she colourfully described it.

It was time for the UNP to look inwards. The party which intended to "roll up the electoral map" had to face up to its electoral defeat. Wijetunga called up about fifteen seniors and asked me to brief them about GL's response to his suggestion of becoming the titular President. I think there was some consternation about how I, a rank junior, had been selected to negotiate with the new leaders.

But they took the verdict with good grace and asked Wijetunga to reorganize the party in the face of the impending Presidential election.