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| Sunday, 22 February 2004 |
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'JVP not for ministerial posts'
Question:- This is the first time the JVP is making a bid to be in Government. The public perception is that you will keep everyone on their toes. What guarantee is there that you will also not be a victim to a system fast gaining repute as being corrupt? Answer:- We, the JVP is a party with discipline. It is respected more than any other prevalent political party. So are the MPs and party members. We are the one and only party with MPs who do not enjoy MPs' salaries, privileges and perks. Instead as a party we have created a common fund from the salaries of over 300 representatives (Parliament, Provincial Councils and Pradeshiya Sabhas) and we use the funds for public services and the needy. We have already showed the country that we may sacrifice anything for the country's benefit. We are confident that as a major party in the United People's Freedom Alliance, we will be able to do something in the Alliance. What we did without having power, will be easier to achieve with power. However, we don't want to control anyone but, the members of the new alliance will have to follow good policies. They will be persuaded by our policies and discipline to do something for the country. Question:- Any regrets for not taking the parliamentary road to political power before this, for example in 1971? Answer:- The JVP was set up with the view of creating a fully democratic society and to cater to a lot of social requirements that had arisen within society. We should have been in parliament even in 1983. But several forces, specially the UNP and late President J.R. Jayewardene blocked our way in an undemocratic way proscribing the JVP. However, through the experiences we received we have come a long journey. Today we don't need to live with the past. Question:- You are today in alliance with a Party the SLFP - against which you took arms in 1971. How can you explain away this turn of events? Answer:- History doesn't stagnate, it is in motion. People, politicians, the whole world meet the changes. The political situation and the forces of 1971 have changed completely today. Grabbing the positive signs from inevitable changes is something usual and this would be our chance to alter history. The Alliance was not hampered by such past events and it would be the same for the future too. We have a good understanding to safeguard the motherland. Question:- Did the dissolution of parliament come as a surprise? Answer:- We, the JVP understood that it was be the ideal option. Therefore. we had no reason to be surprised. It was the most suitable remedy allowing the public to select a stable government as the UNF government was following a drastic policy to separate the country. However, from the very first day when the UNF came to power we were working to defeat them. So, dissolution of Parliament, was not a surprise. Question:- How confident are you in being in Government in April? Answer:- Why don't you pose this question to the UNF ? They have already accepted defeat. So, what for other assurances? One UNF Cabinet Minister announced that the UPFA will win the elections in a recent press conference and he was unable to hide the truth as they usually do. We have no doubt about winning this election. On the other hand, if we (PA-JVP) were on one stage at the last elections, we should have formed a government. Further, the public took to the road agitating against the UNF government, before it celebrated its first year of rule. People who rejected the UNF are joining the UPFA recognising it as the force to set up a new government in April. Question:- Differences of opinions are inevitable in coalition governments. Are you ready to meet such contingencies? And how? Answer:- People around the world are completely different from each other. Religion, culture, geography are some reasons. But the world exists on these varieties. If a country can form an alliance without any differences, I think it is a dream. However, the specialty in this Alliance is that it has been forced by the country's history to minimise party differences and go for a national consensus. JVP - SLFP and all other parties in the Alliance have realised this great need of the country. We have also agreed to discuss any problem at any moment. We are sure that we will be able to solve this national problem overlooking our minor differences. In such a context, Sri Lanka will be a noble place for all the communities to live in harmony. Question:- Don't you think it is important for you to increase your power base among the minority groups if you are to be accepted as a truly national party. Answer:- Whether we like it or not, we can't change the reality. The majority in our country is Sinhala Buddhist and then come the others. The JVP as a national party represents all. We strongly believe that all should be treated equally. We also will be making some effort to provide more chances for the minority groups. Question:- The other day you gave assurances to the business community (that is not very comfortable with your views on international lending agencies, foreign domination of local economy etc,) Have you not changed your views on integration of the economy in the context of globalisation? Answer:- If one says that globalisation is just a destructive process it is unfair. It has a positive side as well as a negative side. New knowledge, latest technology, development avenues were shown to the world through globalisation and that is the positive side.But, efforts of some developed countries to keep some developing countries under their control is the negative side of globalisation. We don't want to go back to colonialism. Some capitalist countries try to control the whole world economically and politically. What we say is this negative side should be defeated. Our wish is always the country's development but not through any kind of betrayal. Through a strong indigenous economy, the country could reduce international loans and be free from the influence of the International Monetary Fund and other lending agencies. A strong national economy is not a dream and it will lay the foundation to solve all the country's burning problems. Question:- What is your attitude towards India? Answer:- We can't forget that our roots are in India. Our culture, technology, education and everything we received from India. Not only Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims also have roots there. On the other hand, India is the most powerful country in the region and our neighbour. The best country to keep as a friend. Once, India covertly helped the LTTE. They had to prevent the South-Asian region being colonised again by capitalist countries. They had no other choice to protect their motherland as well as the region. The situation was created by the wrong foreign policy of late President J.R. Jayewardene. I think we should have India as our best friend. Question:- Are you happy with the Indian stance on Sri Lankan affairs? Answer:- I think, India watched the UNF government's activities very carefully. They waited and they didn't want to rush with comments. But, we believe that India didn't accept the UNF's approach to the national problem. They showed their unhappiness on several occasions over the issue. Once India didn't send representatives for a GOSL meeting with LTTE representatives. Further, India is very keen on its security as well as the region's security. What I personally believe is that we should have a healthy relationship with India. Question:- Any special message to the nation and the world through our readers? Answer:- The country is facing a dangerous situation and the time has come to do something to change that situation. People of this country should have an honest need to build the nation and develop the nation. We have enough resources both human and natural inside the country to develop the country. The other thing is we should cross national barriers as well as religious, caste etc. And the most important thing is the right guidance to proceed. Now, the UPFA has arranged to guide the country for a better tomorrow free from corruption and waste. You the people have been given a chance to decide who should be your front-liners and it is up to you on April 2. Question:- Have you asked for any particular ministries in Government in April? Answer:- We have some plans on how to set up the new government. But, we are not for posts. We will be focusing on a strong national economy through local economic development. We will stand for providing infrastructure facilities for needy persons at grass roots level. |
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News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
Nandana Gunathilake was the JVP Presidential candidate in 1999 and
Member of Parliament for Kalutara district since 2000. He is today the
President of the United People's Freedom Alliance. In an exclusive
interview with the `Sunday Observer' he makes candid comments about
politicians and bold predictions about the outcome of April 2 General
elections.
