WHO THE HECK WANTS KARU?

WHO THE HECK WANTS KARU?  

And the proverbial cookie, has crumbled. As the political heat rages on in Sri Lanka, the battle to become the prime contender against President Mahinda Rajapakse has reached its climax. 

With allegations and counter-allegations flying left, right and center, the consensus seems to be that a Ranil- Sajith Combo will do the trick. However,Karu Jayasuriya seems to have other plans. Not only has he launched a very aggressive media campaign (there are allegations that he has even paid journalists to support him), he is also enlisting the support of the clergy, to speak for his cause. 

In Sri Lankan politics, this is par for the course. However, the "KJ" Factor is different. His antics come at a most inopportune time for the UNP. The party seems to have come through a prolonged period of chaos with the leader and its deputy leader agreeing to disagree on certain matters, except who should contest. Of that, there is absolute clarity. And for the most part, party supporters will be on board. However Karu seems to be throwing a spanner into the works by positioning himself as a potential candidate. 

The question is, WHO WANTS KARU? A man who lost his own electorate to newbie drama actress Paba, surely can't expect to be taken seriously? 

Not to mention the fact that it was HE who started the collapse of the UNP as we knew it by defecting with 17 com-padres. 

A man who is well into his 70's with no discernible political currency, in his dith attempt at a last hurray, is upsetting what could be a serious challenge by the UNP. 

If Karu is a real patriot as he often portrays himself to be, perhaps he should support what seems to be a genuine opportunity to make in-roads into the incumbent regime. 

But to expect this, would be to expect a Leopard to change its spots. And so the Karu bandwagon will no doubt continue along its pitiful journey and someday, come to a standstill in a political wasteland. 

UNP insiders believe, that day is no far from now......