evidence: Engaging in vituperative brinksmanship, at best, is amateurish. At worst, it is outright self-destructive and defeats the very purpose of your existence. You have to show them, as Mark Anthony orated about ‘ambition’ at the slaying of Julius Caesar, that you’re made of ‘sterner’ stuff. On the other hand, what Ranil Wickremesinghe, the leader of the United National Party (UNP) to which Sujeewa Senasinghe and Marikkar belong, has to contemplate is that the verbal attack aimed today at the President will one day come against him, the Prime Minister. It certainly is no comforting thought for any politician, veteran of novice. [...] Against such a punishing backdrop, the unity of the political entity which one contestant represents is of critical value. Sujeewa Senasinghe and Marikkar have done am immeasurable damage to the UNP and its leader. On another plain, Maithripala Sirisena has an inherent right as President of the country to expect, not unquestioned loyalty but conditional and decent fidelity to the office of Presidency. Sujeewa and Marikkar should have exercised that aspect of decency, propriety and civility.