Govt does not take diktats from others - Leader of the House

The Government has refuted the accusations levelled by the International Independent Eminent Group of Persons (IIEGP) who has terminated their observations from the Presidential Commission of Inquiry. The IIEGP has claimed that they withdrew from the Commission ‘due to lack of political will on the part of the Government to support a search for truth’.

Leader of the House and Minister of Health Nimal Siripala de Silva said that the Mahinda Rajapaksa Government always had the political will to find the truth but the IIEGP should understand that the top priority of the Government is the security and territorial integrity of the country.

In an interview with the Sunday Observer he said that the ground realities, where the LTTE terrorists destroy the Southern leadership, were very much different from what the IIEGPs said.

Following are the excerpts:

Q: How do you see the unexpected blow to the JVP?

A: In all the left parties, if you go through their history, these divisions had occurred. So, it is not a new scenario but in the case of the JVP it took little more time to split the party.

But this has created uncertainty within the JVP and it is a matter for this party to take necessary steps because the JVP had been one of the political forces in this country. What happened to the UNP has happened to the JVP too.

The UNP split; the JVP split, but luckily we are still remaining as the same. But it had happened to us earlier. We have our bitter experience as well.

Q: Will the JVP brake-away group, which is to form the ‘Deshapremi Peramuna’ will join the Government?

A: It is upto them to make the move. There are no permanent friends and enemies in politics. The Government has worked with the JVP for a long time and I being the architect of the agreement between the JVP and the SLFP, we worked together in many issues. Now it has been divided into two factions.

The Government is ready to work with both factions as long as they support the Government. What ever the factions of the JVP, they should not have problems in supporting the Government because our ideology with regard to one nation is the same. I must say that the SLFP is a more practical political party which understands the aspirations and the needs of the people at grass roots.

Up to now there are no crossovers from JVP. Mahinda Rajapaksa Government has formed a more broader national government. The Government had been inviting the JVP to join with us for a long time. If they join, I am sure the President would welcome them warmly.

Q: Do you think that the new UNP - SLMC Alliance will give the Government a tough time at the Eastern Provincial Council elections?

A: These Alliances are not a problem to the UPFA Alliance because we are counting on our own strength. The Mahinda Rajapaksa Government is quite confident that we would get the majority in all three districts in the Eastern Province.

We have reasons for that. People in the Eastern Province are being liberated by this government and all the three communities know this truth well.

Especially, the lands belonged to Muslims were forcibly taken by the LTTE. They were paying ransoms to terrorists. But with the liberations of the East, over 60,000 acres of land were given back to Muslims.

I am sure they will be grateful to our government and they have realised that only the Mahinda Rajapaksa Government has brought democracy and normalcy to the Eastern Province.

As far as Tamil people are concerned they are also enjoying themselves the freedom now. Under the clutches of the LTTE they were going through a very hard time. The main factor is that we have implemented lots of development projects in the East, which was neglected for decades.

The people of the East know that the Central Government is committed to bring peace and prosperity to their areas. They have lot of confidence in the Government. Therefore, the Government is confident that we would win the election and we are not afraid of any alliance!

Q: There was a talk that the Government has promised to offer the Chief Minister post to both the parties SLMC and the TMVP. How true is this?

A: No. We have kept the issue open because in terms of the Provincial Council Act, the legal position is very clear that is, whoever commands the majority or who win the confidence of the majority of the members has to be the Chief Minister. The Government cannot promise anything in advance.

We did not promise either party. So let us wait and see. But, no promise is made by the Government.

Q: Amidst complaints about armed TMVP carders, some political parties in the EPC election campaign blame the Government on its failure to disarm the TMVP. What are the steps taken by the Government so far to disarm them?

A: The political parties say that they are armed. We have to realise that they are still under heavy threat from LTTE. The Government does not approve that any group should carry arms.

But as far as the Pillaiyan group is concerned, when they are coming to the public they are not armed. The PAFERAL gave us a very clear report and there is no indication that the TMVP is armed. The local Government election was a very free and fair one and we hope that this election too would be very fair and free.

We have allowed the monitors to come in and what we want to have is a free and fair election. We are happy that the UNP is contesting the election. Because, earlier the UNP wanted the Pillaiyan to be disarmed but now they have come forward to contest. This shows that Pillaiayan group is not armed any more.

Q: Though you have reiterated that the TMVP is not armed, still the ordinary people there live in fear as armed youths are roaming in their areas. What do you have to say?

A: I have been to the East but never seen any armed carders moving any where. They may be discreetly armed but not in public. The Pillaiyan group has come into the democratic political process now. So, we must help them to remain in that democratic political process and not force back to the jungle.

It is our duty not to ridicule them but to give them confidence that they are allowed to remain in the democratic process. The Government is very much committed to ensure that there is a free and fair election because the Government earned the credibility as a result of the recent local Government election. We do not want to tarnish that. We are confident that we will win and there is nothing to rob. The Government do not allow any group to be armed at any cost.

Q: As the election battle is hitting up with more political parties in to the game, do you think that we need international monitors?

A: No. I do not think that we should internationalise these issues. We have several organisations in this country which could be the monitors. What have the international bodies got to and do here? I think we should have confidence in our own organisations. I do not see any practicality of getting a few international bodies to monitor the election. We can do it on our own!

Q: Do you think that there is a room to commence peace talks with the LTTE now?

A: I do not think that the LTTE is genuinely trying to enter into peace talks because now what they want is to stop military offensive against them. This time we should not get caught to the LTTE tactics.

We have got caught to them for a long time and we had bad repercussions on those. I do not think it is prudent at this hour to enter into peace talks. They can talk about peace but the Government should not stop what it does to safe guard the national integrity, sovereignty and the safety of the people.

Q: But, Minister Rajitha Senaratne, who is now in Oslo has already had a discussion with Erik Solheim. Is this an indication that the Government is to re-start negotiations with the LTTE through Norway?

A: No. But Mahinda Rajapaksa Government is always prepared to negotiate peace. The President has said it in many times and reiterated that the final solution will be based on a discussion and consensus. We have not given up the hope for peace through dialogue.

But, at the same time, in view of certain actions on the part of LTTE such as not coming to the negotiation table, killing innocent civilians and trying to destroy the country’s economic centres, the Government has to take certain actions to defeat the LTTE. However, we always believe that we should talk to Tamils to arrive at a settlement. That initiative has not been given up.

Q: Do you know the purpose of his visit to Norway?

A: He has not gone there as a representative of the Government. Even when we go to other counties we try to explore various possibilities to reiterate our commitment to peace to the international community in order to impress them that they should use pressure on LTTE to stop violence.

Q: The other political parties have started their political campaign for the EPC election. How about the campaign by the UPFA?

A: Three operational committees have been appointed by the President. I am the campaign leader for the Eastern province for the SLFP. I am assisted by Ministers A. H. M. Fowzie and many other ministers.

Minister W. D. J. Seneviratne and Mahinda Wijesekara will take over the Trincomalee district which the late Minister Jayaraj Fernandopulle was assigned. Batticaloa will be led by Minister Susil Premajayantha. So we are ready for the campaign and will be campaigning very heavily constructively and democratically to win this election.

Q: As you mentioned, the Eastern Province has been neglected for the last two decades. Are you satisfied with the development projects implemented in the province now?

A: Yes. Those who visited the province know what is now going on there.

A speedy development process is underway. Electricity, water and other infrastructure facilities like roads were neglected for a long time and the Government has implemented a large electrification project in the East.

Agriculture, fisheries and livestock are the other areas that the Government is looking at this moment. Even the Tourist Board is trying its best to ensure a larger influx of tourists to the East. We have the best beaches there. I am confident that the East will be developed soon and more tourists will visit East as it is a secure destination for them.

Minister Karu Jayasuriya told me that over 60,000 people sought assistance from the mobile services held recently in the East. Businesses like small boutiques, eating places like ‘Thosai kade’ are thriving and even cinema halls are functioning till midnight. There are lots of people who are enjoying their leisure time in beaches. People have freedom and normalcy have returned to the province.

I am sure, once the election is over who ever win the election, all the provincial councillors will extend their support to develop the province.

Q: But the displaced people are facing crisis due to poor drinking water facilities, transport and also difficulties in marketing their products. How does the Government address these issues?

A: We have several programs for the benefit of the displaced people. I do not say that these programs are 100 percent successful. But we have achieved good targets. With regard to fisheries there are some constraints due to security concerns. When the civil administration is restored most of these problems would be addressed.

The paddy lands which were under the LTTE control are bring cultivated by the people now. Most of the hospitals are functioning now. We are making every effort to solve the problems faced by the displaced people.

Q: The then Chief Minister Varatharaja Perumal of the Eelam People’s Revolutionary Liberation Front (EPRLF) formed the Tamil National Army after wining the election. If the same thing is going to be repeated what would be the reaction of the Government?

A: The ground situation is quite different from then and now. Now Pillaiyan group came to the democratic process. They won the local Government election but have they declared Eelam, or have they taken up arms? No. So now they are coming into the democratic process truly, honestly and genuinely.

The LTTE does not have power in the East and especially people know that peace is there. People in these areas want peace more than anything else.

They are sick of war. None can try to declare Eelam because Tamils are not for separation now. They want to live peacefully with all the communities.

Even if they declare Eelam that will be a futile exercise because under the Constitution, we can revoke whatever the powers that have been given to them. I am sure that will not happen.

The other factor is that no single political party can have the majority in the PC. There will be an ethnic ratio, with the representation of Sinhala, Tamil and Muslims. Whoever become the Chief Minister, that person has to command the majority. The present situation is quite different from Perumal era and it is not that easy to do such things according to their wishes.

Q: The International Independent Eminent Group of People (IIEGP), which was appointed by the President has accused the Government for its lack of political will in its final report. What is your comment?

A: No. We disagree with their report. The Government always had the political will. But the political will along will not bring the envisaged results. The ground realities have to be addressed.

When the LTTE is killing our ministers, top politicians and trying to eradicate the leadership in the South the ground realities are quite different from what these eminent persons say. These eminent persons should understand that, first of all we have to look after our security and territorial integrity of our country.

Our country may be small but we can not be dictated by others. If they have respect for freedom and democracy they must allow people of this country to take the appropriate decisions which they feel correct. The Government has demonstrated our willingness to negotiate with the LTTE for a long time.

The LTTE took all the Governments - Ranil Wickremesinghe, Chandrika Kumaratunge and Mahinda Rajapaksa Governments - for a ride. But, this Government, which has once experienced it, can not be fooled by the LTTE now. Mahinda Rajapaksa Government knows the hidden agenda of the LTTE very well.

Most probably, this eminent group of people, or what ever they are called, they would have not understood the LTTE’s agenda. I am sorry to comment in this way but we have a political nag to presume what is LTTE is doing. Therefore, our prime duty is to safeguard the nation.

Q: Can you tell who will be the next Chief Government Whip?

A: Somebody suitable for the job will be appointed. It will not be an arbitrary appointment. The President will consult the parliamentary group and discuss the issue to appoint a suitable person soon.

Q: No Census have been taken since 1981. How does the Government know the exact population in the Province?

A: Yes. We have to take a census after this election. Now, the situation is conducive to carry out a census. As far as the voting is concerned we have made arrangements to issue the identity cards. There will not be any impersonation of voting. So, we hope and pray that many people will come to vote and exercise their franchise on May 10.

Who is Nimal Siripala de Silva

It was the realisation of an ‘expensive’ dream for a young man in his thirties. Being the proud owner of a brand new car, the young solicitor, started his journey from London in 1978. He, his friend and his most valuable ‘assets’, in life, were loaded on to a hovercraft, which sailed from London to France.

Starting the adventurous journey from France, he drove his car via Germany, Australia, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, where they were again loaded into a ship at Dhanushkodi to reach Sri Lanka, his motherland.

Spending over 36-days, the young man ended his odyssey driving his Peugeot 505, the most popular vehicle which rarely did ply on roads of Sri Lanka, by taking it to his home town, Badulla. In an era in which taking out foreign currency was strictly restricted, he spent all his hard-earned money as a solicitor in London to buy his car.

The small boy brushed up his oratory skills in every school he attended. He started his primary education at the Mullegama Primary School, Maha Oya and later moved from one school to another with his parents, who got frequent transfers to different parts of the country.

He does not have one alma mater but has more than eight! He, who could deliver small speeches on any given issue effectively later became the gold medallist of the Dharamadutha College, Badulla.

Inborn talents in oratory of the small kid, was first tapped by his father when he guided and encouraged him to sharpen his skills. “My father is the greatest man behind all my successes”, the Leader of the House, Nillethi Nimal Siripala de Silva says today.

The most unforgettable occasion in his life was the moment that he was made apart from his parents when they said good bye leaving the 10-year old Nimal at the Dharmadutha College, boarding house. “I cried and cried. But my father explained to me that they had to leave me there only to give him a better education. But it took some time for me to recover”, he took a deep breath.

Holding the record as the only Minister who has been appointed as the Minister of Health for five times, he entered into politics when he was an Advanced Level student at the Nalanda College, Colombo 10. His first political speech was held at Colombo Town Hall representing the Student Federation of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party.

The person, Minister de Silva, still respects most in politics is the world’s first woman Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike. “She is the one who drove me into politics. She is so caring about the party members”, he recollects adding that she used to bring even a small gift each time she went abroad on official trips or for medical treatment.

Minister de Silva who narrowly escaped death due to a LTTE terrorist bomb attack in Jaffna, carries in him a tiny piece of that deadly bomb throughout his life. He can not pass through any of the electronic check-points freely, any where in the world, especially those at airports.

The lazer detectors will start blinking and blaring indicating the ‘dangerous’ piece of metal.

He has to carry a medical ‘testimony’ from a Neurosurgeon to say that a stapler is permanently stuck in his brain.

We wants to serve the people of this country until he breath his last, he says. Minister de Silva says that the biggest lesson he learnt in his political career is that “You work for the people but do not expect anything back’. “If you ever expect anything for your good deeds you will feel sad at the end’’ he says.

* Sri Lanka is a small country but no one is allowed to dictate terms.

* The LTTE took all the Governments for a ride.

* Mahinda Rajapaksa Government can not be fooled by the LTTE now.

* IIEGPs have not understood the LTTE’s agenda.

* Unlike other left political parties, the JVP took little more time to split.

* No permanent friends and enemies in politics. Doors are open for any political party to join the Government.

* New Alliances are no threats to UPFA.

* The LTTE is not genuine in peace talks.

* Still the Government tries to explore all the avenues to commence peace talks.

* No other government could develop the Eastern province.

* Majority of Tamils do not want Eelam.