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| Sunday, 11 April 2004 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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UPFA has overwhelming majority in country - Dinesh by Don Asoka Wijewardena
Excerpts of the interview: Q: Are you happy with the election results? A: Yes. I am quite happy with the election results. It is definitely a big victory for patriotic and progressive forces that comprise the Alliance and the mandate given by the people is very positive where the Freedom Alliance has an overwhelming majority vote in the country. It also encompasses total of 2/3 of the electoral areas and the grand Alliance and its progressive programme have been given the trust and confidence for the country's future development strategies. Q: Do the results match up to your expectations? A: We would have very much appreciated if a larger majority of seats in parliament were obtained, but in democracy and running of a functioning democracy I am certain that this victory will accommodate further forces to work the progressive and patriotic forces namely the Freedom Alliance. Once again this election has vividly shown that the people's mandate is not truly reflected under the present system enacted by the 1978 Constitution. So it's time for democratic forces to unite and change this election system. Q: In 1956 your father played a significant role in bringing the peasants and organised working class into the SLFP led Alliance. Do you see yourself as having played a similar role? A: In a way the successful victory of the Freedom Alliance is very much similar to the 1956 victory led by late S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike along with my late father Philip Gunawardena. Once again the "Puncha Maha Balawegaya" and the youth and students of our country unitedly brought about this awakening change for which myself and my party contributed positively for its success. I dare say that true sons and daughters of our post-independence and of 1956 have untiringly brought about this result,a result for change, progress and policy formulation for development. Q: A minority government - how do you think the UPFA will have to forge ahead to avoid a defeat in parliament? A: The mandate which is given to the Freedom Alliance is an overwhelming victory right across the country. I must say that it is the only leading force that can make enormous contributions in country's vital areas of peace, development and stability. We trust that various sections in parliament interested in the well-being of our motherland will work with the Freedom Alliance with genuine interest and dedication as the Freedom Alliance has been given a clear mandate for running of a democratic government. Q: When we met last you said protecting territorial integrity of the country was a priority. With the LTTE demand will this not lead to an inevitable showdown? A: As far as I am concerned no patriotic force of our motherland will want to divide the country. We will pursue peace with commitment actively. I am sure that commitment will bring unity and restoration of democracy finally to the people of the North and East, too. Q: The peace activists campaign for the establishment of an autonomous state for the Tamils. What have you to say to them? A: The peace negotiations have not taken place since April last year which is almost one year. It is of immense importance for any government to analyse, discuss and resolve the core issues of the country. Peace talks will have to be taken up for negotiated settlement with total transparency and those who are interested in democratic negotiations. It is evident that negotiations will bring new thinking and enable to mould new concepts than what most of the theoreticians and the academics think of at most. Q: What part are you going to play to expose corruption and bring the culprits, especially politicians to book? A: The UPFA election manifesto has very clearly committed ourselves for the elimination of waste, corruption and nepotism which are a very high percentage in our national expenditure. The UPFA was the first to decide that it would be a signatory to introduce deterrent punishment and conventions against corruption and going further we will strengthen the relevant institutions that have all authority to deal with bribery, corruption and waste and even give additional powers if needed by the legislation. Q: Do you foresee a future of non-confrontational politics and non-violence especially after the near smooth functioning of the electoral process and peace after elections? A: The post-election period has seen a very clear picture of non-confrontational politics. We will not victimise anyone on political grounds, but everyone is required to perform their duties at their places of work for the sake of our motherland. Our government will also expect opposing forces to act democratically and contribute to all measures taken for the progress of our country. We are committed totally to restore law and order and then evolve a functioning democracy where everyone has a role to play. Q: The State media has often been criticised as being partisan to the government in power. The Sunday Observer has striven to give publicity to all shades of opinion. Do you agree? A: I quite agree that State media has been opened to all shades of opinion, reporting as well as in presentation of political news. The allegation that State media is biased is always heard among politicians as they prefer to see their political opposition is attacked through media which is incorrect and misinterpretation. Q: The JVP has proved to be capable of obtaining a large number of votes in the elections. How do you assess the JVP's performance in the election? A: The JVP is a well-organised political party that could attract the youth and students which are the bulk of our society. The driving force of the voters has desired to help the JVP to victory while others are more dormant than active. It is obvious that the voters have shown they prefer more dedicated, assiduous and committed representatives irrespective of political parties which is shown in the UPFA result. In conclusion I must say that the people of Sri Lanka have positively responded to the UPFA's call and have placed confidence in it. Now we shall get down to deliver what we promised by having an active approach than ever before. |
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