While the Sri Lanka Navy has kept boats ready to ferry members to and from Parliament if the approach roads go under water, United National Party (UNP) member Ravi Karunanayake arrived in the House wearing the traditional national dress.

Many were surprised to see the usually western kit clad Mr. Karunanayake in the national dress. Some observers wondered whether Ravi Karunanayake was attempting to turn a new leaf in his political career by portraying a more nationalistic approach.

The UNP Parliamentarian who earlier represented the Kotte electorate used to come under severe flak for his comments during the recent fight against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). He is on record as saying in Parliament that the government was marching towards Pamankada claiming that it was advancing towards Alimankada (Elephant Pass).

Even last week, UNP Hambantota District Parliamentarian Sajith Premadasa made reference to this comment, saying that statements like these had distanced voters from the UNP.

However, on the brighter side, most observers expressed their hopes that the usually ‘tie and coat’ clad Ravi Karunanayake will really turn a new leaf and start thinking more nationally and attract the rural voters as well.