Hi! what's up?

PM busy with rural development

SO: Is the Prime Minister available to talk to the Sunday Observer for a few minutes?

pm: Yes, Regarding what?

SO: Mr. Prime Minister what are the major development events these days?

pm: Well, the government is very keen on the establishment of the infrastructure facilities in areas other than the Western Province. Starting from Maga Neguma, we are engaged in a lot of development projects all over the country.

SO: What about the political developments?

pm: Yes, Almost all the parties including the UNP. Alternative group have submitted their proposals to the APRC. This is the first time, all the parties representing the Parliament will meet as a group to find a solution to the country's problem. Then the ultimate result will be to arrive at a consensus. Developing on that as a base we must try to find a national solution to the national problem. The most significant feature here is once it is established, it will no longer be a one party matter or a government matter.

SO: How do you assess on the country's security situation?

pm: As a responsible government we have taken every possible step for everyone to live in peace. Suddenly blasting one or two cases of bomb blasts in Colombo or in the South have brought in bad results. But, our armed forces and police are very keen on preventing such disasters. Terrorism cannot exist with democracy and had to be wiped out once and for all.

SO: The talk of the town these days is sharp increase in the cost of living. Any comments?

pm: SLFP as the main party of the Government is quite aware of the severity of the problem. In that context, infrastructure development is a must. On that issue I want to highlight two governing factors. The first one is we must try to achieve self-sufficiency wherever possible and the other is not to export raw materials. Then we will be easily able to face the so-called increasing CoL.

Tissa to re-launch Kunchanada

SO: May I speak with Mr. MP Tissa Attanayake?

MP: Yes, speaking

SO: Well. What news Mr. Attanayake?

MP: Busy with a lot of things. These days we the (UNP) are engaging in a party reorganisation. We have also arranged a series of public rallies to educate the public. And we also will be arranging agitation campaigns against the government all over the country.

SO: Are you satisfied with the APRC process?

MP: No, it is a slow process. But what the President said before the election was to have a face to face dialogue with the LTTE leader to solve this problem. Therefore, I think that the APRC has become a talk shop and that is not what the people expected.

SO: What do you have to say on the COPE findings?

MP: It was the UNP who urged the government to punish any culprit who misuses public money or assets. Whoever the culprits, whenever they engaged in those malpractices they should be punished.

SO: What happened to your newspaper Kunchanada?

MP: Everyone is questioning on it. It was stopped temporarily on a party decision and will be restarted soon.

SO: What about your personal life?

MP: Well. Both my daughter and son are still schooling. Wife is also working. Anyway, despite my busy political schedule I still find the time to be with them, as a loving father and a good husband.

JHU hopes on APRC process

SO: Ven. Medhananda thera please?

Thera: Speaking

SO: What's new in the Hela Urumaya?

Thera: We presented our proposals to the APRC and are waiting to see the results.

SO: Do you feel that the APRC will be able to find a political solution?

Thera: This is a collective effort. Instead of rejecting it the best thing is to make every possible effort. Almost all parties have forwarded their proposals and that is also a good sign for the time being.

SO: Do you like to comment on the COPE findings?

Thera: Why not? We are completely against the politicians who engage in bribes and corruptions. Politics is not a licence to engage in anti-social taking acts. Therefore, without considering portfolios, the culprits should be punished immediately.

SO: What are your political activities these days?

Thera: We had our district convention in Galle two weeks ago. No major events in the offing.

SO: Do you have anything special to say?

Thera: Yes, I want to express my disgust on the Minister P. Chandrasekaran's statement at Talawakele recently. He had said that his only dream is to become a leader in the plantation areas like the leader who asks for an Eelam regime for the North and East. We were ashamed to hear this kind of statements from a minister in the present government.

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