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| Sunday, 3 April 2005 |
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UPFA one year on : Moving ahead with 'Rata Perata'
The UPFA Government will be marking its first anniversary this month, amidst growing concerns about escalating prices, privatisation, post tsunami reconstruction and concord between the SLFP and the JVP in the Alliance. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse, in a candid and wide ranging interview with Observer Staffer Rohan Mathes, outlines the government's achievements during the past year, and says that though in certain unavoidable cases the government will have to proceed with various agreements signed by the previous government, they will adhere by the pledges given in 'Rata Perata'. by Rohan Mathes Question: The people of this county had great expectations on the UPFA, based on their 'Rata Perata' programme, and elected them to power with a resounding victory at the last General Election. To what extent have you kept to those promises made in the run-up to the elections and what are your achievements after one year of your Government? Answer: For the first nine months or so, our government had to work on the budget allocations of the last government. We did well in the utilisation of these allocations. Thereafter we prepared a people-friendly budget to develop the country in many important spheres and fulfil the aspirations of all communities, in accordance with our 'Rata Perata' program. To name a few, we found meaningful employment to over 60,000 unemployed youth, including 41,000 unemployed graduates who will be given permanent posts in the public sector. Advanced Level qualified youth will also be recruited. Around 2000 odd nurses will be given jobs in the health sector. We initiated the '1000 Wev' (1000 Tanks) project to consolidate the agro-economy of the country and raise the living standards of those in the agricultural sector. With the view of taking 'Information Technology' to the rural sector, long deprived of the same, we inaugurated the 'Nana Salla' program through the ICTA, under my purview. To encourage Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SME's) in the country, especially rural and to assist them in securing international markets for their products, we devised programmes such as the 'Kandurata Aruna' and 'Ruhunu Aruna' among others. With the intention of developing the country at zonal level, we initiated the 'Rajarata Udanaya' and 'Pubudamu Wellassa' among others. The inauguration of President's 'Sanwardana Sangramaya' and the "1000 Industrial Villages" programme are some others. Under the 'Mega Neguma' program, many A1 and A2 roads including rural roads have been constructed. Q: A crucial aspect in the development of the country was making a breakthrough in the Norwegian brokered, peace process which has been stalled for more than a year and bringing about a permanent and sustainable solution to the ethnic conflict.It seems the government has failed in this task. What are your comments on this? A: The President is personally handling the peace process, which was earlier handled by five or six ministries. Now, in addition to the peace process, the development of the North East as a whole, is handled by the President, the Peace Secretariat and the RRR. Hopefully we will succeed soon. Q: Within your tenure of office, the inflation rate has climbed upto a staggering 18 per cent. Why? A: Yes. We must take the necessary steps to curtail it. There are many factors which has contributed to rising inflation. We have increased the salaries of the public sector. In the aftermath of the tsunami, there is so much of money circulating around the country; we have resumed much of the development work which has enhanced the earnings of our people and therefore their disposable income. The World crude oil prices have also increased considerably. The US Dollar has appreciated despite the strengthening of the Rupee. However production has come down. Therefore, in my view, we must strive to enhance our production. Q: There is much fuss and agitation over the privatisation and or re-structuring of the CEB, CPC, Phosphate industry and the Universities among others. How do you intend to tackle them? A: In certain unavoidable cases we have to proceed and continue with the various agreements signed by the last government. However, I think we have to adhere by the pledges given to the people in conformity with our 'Rata Perata' program and the mandate given to us by the people. We will stick to those policies. Q: There is confusion over the tsunami relief aid from foreign donors, which is believed to have flooded the country, but ironically not reached the tsunami victims equitably. What is your response? A: Whatever we have received is in the President's Fund, in a special account, and a part of what I have got, has been transferred to the President's Fund. We have two accounts. All this money has been handled in a transparent and accountable manner and published in the papers. It is also audited by the Auditor General. The money will be used solely for re-building the country in the tsunami affected districts. Q: There appears to be an estranged relationship now, within the Alliance, with the main co-partner the JVP. How do you intend to reconcile with them? A: This is a common characteristic even within a family. There could be differences of opinion even among members of one family. These need not be taken very seriously. The SLFP and the JVP are two distinct political parties with differences but reached a consensus on certain policies based on the mandate given by the people. We are governed by these policies. So as long as we abide by these policies, these divergent views are immaterial. I am confident that we will hold together despite various statements made from time to time by various individuals, as we are fully committed to do a job of work and deliver the goods as pledged to the people of this country. More important is the achievement of our targets envisaged as per our manifesto and not the grievances of certain individuals or groups. Q: There was a concept or a misconcept in the past that your personal relationship with the JVP was not too cordial. Has it improved now? A: I was and I am a good SLFPer and not a JVPer. As the Prime Minister of this country we have to work together as a responsible government. We have not experienced any problems in doing so to date, and I am fully confident that we can work together in the future too. Furthermore, working within a coalition is not a novel experience or concept to us. We have had past experiences in dealing and working together as a coalition. Q: There is heavy criticism by the Opposition and some experts on the logic behind the directions given by the Government to proceed 2 KM from the sea last Monday following the earthquake in Sumatra. What are your views on the same? A: Yes. That was a mistake. That was necessary in the eastern Province but not in the South. However, the people getting accustomed to this new, earthquake-based phenomena, will gradually and spontaneously dislike residing within the buffer zone. Q: There have been serious allegations that there could be some discrimination for Muslims, when the Hambantota city is re-located and re-constructed. What is your response? A: The 100 metre rule is not only for the Muslims. It is for all communities. This is organised false propaganda by certain parties with vested interests and hidden political agendas to tarnish our image. We are only expanding Hambantota city limits. In reality, I have a better rapport with the Muslim community than the Muslim politicians themselves who have been silent when taking serious decisions on Muslim issues such as on the Palestine cause. So don't take these allegations seriously. Q: What is your opinion on the Anti Conversion bill which was to be enacted? A: We are to have a 'conscience' vote on it. This shows that our government is very democratic. No other government has taken such a stand on a similar issue. |
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