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Leader of the Opposition, Dehiwala-Mt.Lavinia Municipal Council, Kesaralal Gunasekare stated that the JVP was in the mainstream of politics though they contest separately. Speaking to the Sunday Observer staffer Jayantha Sri Nissanka, Gunasekare noted that the JVP support becomes essential to move the country in the right direction.

Q: How do you view the possibility of a UPFA win at the forthcoming Local Government polls?

A: The JVP and the JHU have not given much thought to the result of the Local Government polls. Coalition parties decision to contest the election separately will send wrong signals to people. People think that like the Parliamentary election, after the polls the SLFP, JVP and JHU could form an administration. But it is totally different. For example, if there are 100 members in the Dehiwata - Mt. Lavinia Municipal Council, if 49 are elected from the UNP, 40 from SLFP, 11 from JVP and JHU, the SLFP, JVP and JHU total will be 51. Still the Mayor and Deputy Mayor posts will go to the UNP because they have secured the most numbers of councillors as a single party.

Q: But still you have the chance to defeat the UNP at a budget and send the UNP administration home with 51 its member majority. Is this the correct position?

A: Not at all. This is totally different from the Parliamentary system. If the first budget is defeated, the Mayor can table it for the second time. If it is defeated a second time, the Mayor has the absolute authority to pass the budget and run the administration. Many people are not aware of this. This is why I am saying there is a danger. Therefore, the people should wisely vote at this election. If our vote base is divided between SLFP, JVP and JHU, then the UNP has a chance to win. Therefore, people should vote for the UPFA candidates if they want the UPFA to run Local Government Authorities.

Q: If this is the scenario, why did the JHU and JVP decided to contest alone?

A: That is the issue. The JVP and JHU could have given much consideration before taking that decision. If they are in the UPFA fold, we could have kept the UNP in the opposition for a long time. People are confused with their decision. However, the people should ensure voting for the UPFA to run 90 per cent of the councils. Otherwise, UNP administrations will come to power as a result of our division.

Q: What were the reasons for the JVP and JHU to contest alone?

A: They have said that this decision will not affect the UPFA Government. I think they want to test their strength. They have selected a wrong moment to test their strength. Working together should have been more important than testing strength.

Q: More than testing the strength, don't you think that the JVP plans to capture the power of certain councils?

A: I think the JVP is giving a message to SLFP that they need a larger share when it comes to election. In my view it is a fundamental mistake. During the last Parliamentary election, many SLFPers voted for JVP candidates purely because they joined hands with SLFP. That support is not going to be there at this election as they contest separately. I know even JVP sympathisers who have realised the consequences will support the UPFA candidates to defeat corrupt UNP administrations.

Q: But the JVP believes that they have the support of rural masses because neither the UNP nor the SLFP have done much to rural people. What is your prediction?

A: The JVP must understand that they are still in its infancy. They look strong as they have many members in Parliament and Provincial Councils. They had elected many members under an alliance with the SLFP. Therefore, let us wait and see how the voters will decide this time.

Q: How will the JVP and JHU fare at this election?

A: The JVP is in the political mainstream. We need to support them. But they should not have contested separately. However, we should not change our attitude towards the JVP but we should push the country into a better direction with the support of the JVP.

Q: What are the defects you have identified in the Local Authority Act?

A: I feel the Parliamentary system, Presidential system, Provincial Councils have not understood the importance of local authority adminstration. Local Authority administration is very close to the people. We cannot develop the country unless local authorities are strengthened. Local Authorities can do a quite a lot of work if the Central Government gives more power and funds. Just imagine, of the total national revenue 84.5 percent is spent by the Central Government. It is only 15.5 percent that is allocated for Provincial Councils and Local Authorities. This is the mistake every Government in the past made. Unfortunately the present Parliament too does not understand this. We are in a peculiar situation where Central Government does not understand the importance of local authorities.

Q: What are the inherent problems in Local Authorities?

A: There are many inherent problems in local administration. One of the duties of the Parliament is to promulgate laws. The Local Authority Act was promulgated in 1940s. With only few amendments still we are hanging onto it. Then President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga appointed a Commission in 1996 to submit a report on local Government reforms. That report was submitted in 1999. Still those recommendations have not been implemented even in 2006. So far, that report has not gone before Parliament. Parliament should seriously decide to amend the Act. Unless we bring sweeping reforms to the Local Authority Act, we face a serious problem because Parliament does not understand the duties and scope of work. Parliament is performing the duties of provincial councils and local authorities. For example Samurdhi programme should have been handled by local authorities. The Central Government can formulate policy but implementation should be done by local authorities.

Q: People are not happy about the services of local authorities. That may be the reason only 60 per cent of voters cast their votes. Does this indicate that people have lost faith in local authorities?

A: I think people should understand the importance of local authority administration. Before, electing councillors people should be vigilant about the track record of candidates. People should not blindly elect councillors who spend millions on posters in the campaign. Why these candidates spend millions on the campaign should be properly understood. If wrong candidates are elected, they will not deliver goods to the people. In this country Municipal administration is not working because councillors are trying to run the administration. They don't understand their role. There is a dedicated trained staff with the Commissioner to run the administration. Since councillors influence, the staff is also playing a low profile. That is why people complain against the administration.

Q: At the completion of the council term, some members have become millionaires but people again reelect such persons. What is the logic behind this?

A: Of course, if people think that any councillor is dishonest, they can complain to relevant authorities. Assets and liabilities of councillors should be properly disclosed. However, an honest men does not have a place in this country. It is only the dishonest who prosper.

Q: As the former Opposition Leader what action have you taken against corruption?

A: I have voiced my opposition at meetings and committees and reported matters to higher authorities. But many people don't understand the local administration. Council is a small Government. The Finance Committee in the Council passes most of the payments. Ruling party has four members and two members representing from the opposition. Even if opposition members object to any payment, the majority passes and no authority can challenge it thereafter. That is why I am saying that the Municipal Council is like a small kingdom and the Mayor is like a king. But he should be a benevolent king. Mayor should ensure what he does is correct in the interest of his people. In my election manifesto I have mentioned my plan. I don't like to criticise others and come to power. Those who criticise others must have a plan when elected to power. People should carefully study manifestos before voting.

Q: What powers does the local authorities need to run an efficient administration?

A: Actually Local Authorities can do all the ground work for development and social programmes of the Central Government. But most of the powers are still with the Central Government. This is the inherent problem which restrict the operation of the local authorities. For example acquisition powers are with the Central Government. If we have that power we could have done many development programmes in our areas. Also funds are not enough for us to conduct any development work. If the Government can grant 5 to 7 percent more funds, Councils could do wonders.

Q: Why do most Councils not maintain a proper road network?

A: Yes. Because all the Councils are not geared to its maximum. Some Councils still use out dated technology to maintain roads and spend millions to repair roads. If I give you an example, the road that leads to my house was done in 1986. Even after 20 years this road is still in a very good condition and I believe that it will last for another 20 years. We need to construct roads of this kind. The initial cost is high but maintenance is low. The Central Government has to give more funds for this kind of work. But unfortunately local authorities are considered less important in Sri Lanka. After the September 11 attack on the World Trade Centre in USA, President Bush thanked only one person. That was the Mayor of New York for bringing the City back to normal. But unfortunately, it is other way in this country.

Q: What are your plans to increase the revenue if elected as Mayor of Dehiwala-Mt.Lavinia Municipal Council?

A: I will fight with the Finance Ministry and ask for more funds. I will also increase fees and other levies as they are very low at present. In addition, there are lots of revenue earning new measures. Imposing fees on Cable TV is an example. We should also know how many billboards are in the area. We must introduce novel methods and I think we can increase the revenue by another 25% from it. From these funds we can introduce a scholarship programme for poor children. We will introduce new technology for all the projects. We must also make the beach a beautiful place for people to relax. Garbage will be properly collected and disposed. Street lighting should be properly maintained. Now nobody in the Council knows the life span of a bulb. I will stop misuse of resources. Development work has to be regularised. There are places in the Municipality area where two cars can not pass each other. Fragmentation of lands has to be stopped or minimised. I will introduce procedures to be put into action and people will get the work done on time. I will have a stipulated period for all work to be completed. For example, building plans approved are dragging but I will fix a time period to pass it. I will put the administration in order and will not allow it to deviate from regulations which in turn would minimise corruption. I have many plans and I request people to read my manifesto.

Q: Why did the UPFA and the UNP not nominate the mayoral candidates except for few Councils?

A: I think that is a mistake done by the party. If it was announced we could have even got the UNP supports. We could have been on a better footing.

Q: Why should people vote for you?

A: I have shown during my political career that I am committed to serve people. I basically go through novel procedures with regard to provision of services.

I will put the municipal administration in order for speedy service for the people. I am committed to improve education in this area. Nobody can accuse me for wrong doing and dishonesty. I am serving the people since 1978.

So if people really love the Dehiwala - Mt. Lavinia Municipal council, they should elect me with highest preferential votes forgetting political differences.

At this juncture, there is an urgent need for a change in the Council. People should elect a good Mayor who will do a proper job of work for the Dehiwala- Mt.Lavinia.

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