Not prime ministerial Madam Premier

PRIME Minister Harini Amarasuriya was the darling of the urban-ite, liberal supporters of the NPP. Her appointment to the premiership earned praise across the political spectrum. She is known as an ardent advocate of good governance, law and order, justice, and accountability.

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But to the disappointment of many, her conduct upon attaining the coveted post raises serious question marks about her capacity as well as suitability to continue in the role of premiership.

The former academic-turned politician's remarks at the NPP rally which was held in Moratuwa - few hours before the campaigning for the recently concluded Local Council election ended, was severely condemned across the board. While addressing crowds at the meeting, Amarasuriya was openly encouraging her supporters to engage in election propaganda activities in spite of the official end of the canvassing period. In a complaint to the Election Commission, the election monitoring organisation PAFFREL accused Amarasuriya of violating the legal framework governing elections. The politician who began her parliamentary career from the national list has passionately stood for virtues of exemplary political conduct apart from high standards of accountability. However, her controversial statements were in complete contravention of the high ideals she proclaims to represent.