Sri Lanka, July 6 -- The United National Party is in the throes of an existential crisis. The Grand Old Party in its present self is no stranger to crisis. But the current one is threatening not just its electoral prospects at the general election on August 5, but also its whole existence as a viable political force after the election.

During the last 25 years, the UNP had ruled barely seven; on both occasions, in cohabitation arrangements with a SLFP President, with Chandrika Kumaratunga during Dec 2001- 2004, and with Maithripala Sirisena during the Yahapalanaya. Both turned sour. When they ended, the UNP emerged worse off than it started.

Now a fratricidal split that came right after another legendary defeat at the presidential elect...