National unity, our main aim - Ferial Ashraff
SLMC has failed to follow its founder’s footsteps:
In an exclusive interview with the Sunday
Observer, Housing and Common Amenities Minister Ferial Ashraff
highlighted her priorities on national unity and power devolution,
housing construction for tsunami affected people in the Ampara district
Interviewed by Mohammed NAALIR
President Mahinda Rajapaksa united our motherland liberating it from
the clutches of LTTE terrorists. The time has arisen to talk of national
unity and to build up mutual understanding together with all communities
in the country.
At a time when the real freedom has dawned on the country after
decades of turmoil it is time for all of us to join hands to embark on
the development of our country. There is no room for ethnic or communal
discrimination in our Country under the leadership of President
Rajapaksa, said Housing and common Amenities Minister Ferial Ashraff in
an interview with the Sunday Observer recently.
Q: Now that terrorism is over as the Leader of National Unity
Alliance what action do you propose to ensure the equal treatment of all
communities in the country?
A: All people irrespective of narrow differences wish to live
together peacefully in a United Sri Lanka. All should be treated as
equal citizens. They all want to have a national identity.
Nobody wants to be discriminated. That is the aspiration and aim of
President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The President in his speech in the
Parliament said that there are no minorities in this country.
There are only two groups one, the patriots, the other is
non-patriots. With a view to achieving national unity we created
National Unity Alliance.
The party is still promoting that view.
Q: As a senior Minister and a partner of the Government what are the
benefits do you expect under the 13th Amendment?
A: Federal system will eventually lead to separatism. Suspicions and
misunderstandings tend to arise when we begin to talk about federalism.
When begins to talk of devolution of power some people tend to become
apprehensive. We all are talking in terms of the word `power’. Power
seems to be the most important word now.
The issue is who has the power, who is going to give the power and
who is going to take the power. Basically I don’t believe in the word
`power’ so would not talk of devolving power. I think what people are
asking for is to be a party to decision making process in the country.
Q: Will excessive powers for provincial councils will lead to
separatism?
A: Yes, what people want is to be able to involve themselves in the
decision-making process. If a particular decision harms a section of the
community that should not have been made.
If those decisions that create discrimination or cause some kind of
injustice to another that should not have been made since the people
won’t accept them.
People plead when decisions are made. They would be involved in the
process. Let us be the part of the decision making process of Sri Lanka.
So it is an easy thing to do. There should be consultation and consensus
with various groups and nationalities in the country. All communities in
the country need to be a part of the decision making process.
I think His Excellency, President has understood this better than all
of us. That’s why he stresses there are no minorities in this country
any more! If we were able to get the people involved in the decision
making process, the problem will soon be over.
Q: According to information there are nearly 1300 tsunami affected
families still staying in temporary camps in Maruthamunai and Kalmunai
areas?
A: I am not quite sure about the figures. The Government will no
doubt construct houses needed for the remaining tsunami victims as well.
As Minister for housing construction I would assure that every tsunami
victim will be given a house.
Q: According to some Opposition allegations there are housing
projects even without basic facilities. Is it true or false?
A: The Government launched housing projects jointly with various
donor agencies. All facilities have been provided in those housing
projects. There may have been instances where they don’t get enough
water and perhaps some other facilities too but all those problems will
be solved shortly.
Q: What are the future plans to fulfil the housing needs of Sri
Lanka?
A: There is no question of future plans and past plans. Sri Lanka is
always at the top in constructing and solving housing problems. Of
Course, we were fighting against terrorism.
We have had lots of issues to be solved. We couldn’t allocate
sufficient funds. In spite of fighting terrorism we continued our
housing construction projects in the country specially in the remote
areas. We have very good plans to solve the Sri Lankan housing problem
but there is a delay because our priorities have changed. Now the war is
over, we will be able to look into those issues.
Q: What are the identified areas where new housing projects are
crucial specially within the Colombo Municipal Council limits? There are
nearly 30,000 families living in slums. Are there any projects to cater
to their housing needs. Do you think that the Colombo slum problem could
be solved?
A: Yes, Urban Development Ministry is handling the housing projects
for the slum dwellers in Colombo Municipal Council area. It has a clear
plan to end this problem and engage in the process of removing slums and
providing houses to the needy.
The Urban development Ministry is taking over lands and constructing
apartments for these people. After the evacuation of slum dwellers from
those areas, new problems have arisen. Some people sell their new houses
and go back to the slums. President is very much keen to solve this
problem.
We have built several housing complexes in Colombo. Under the direct
purview of President Mahinda Rajapaksa housing development projects in
the Colombo municipal area are undertaken. The Urban Development
Ministry is totally involved. They are in the process of clearing slums.
Q: Day by day the need for houses is increasing. Do you think a
sustainable solution could be found for this problem?
A: Sri Lanka has achieved success in housing construction for
decades. Both late Minister Peter Keuneman and late President R.
Premadasa initiated new developments in the housing sector.
We are continuing it. The President is also keen to develop this
sector. I am sure time has come to sort out this problem.
Q: The entire North has been liberated from the clutches of the LTTE.
If housing projects will be launched in the North what would be the role
of the National Housing Development Authority (NHDA)?
A: The NHDA is already engaged in the process of preparing plans. The
resettlement of IDPs has delayed as the land mines are still being
removed in these areas. However, soon after receiving the clearance we
will initiate housing projects in the North as well.
Q: Both SLMC and NUA are following the footsteps of Leader Ashraff.
Your comments?
A: Late M.H.M. Ashraff with a view to achieving the goal of national
unity formulated National Unity Alliance. NUA is trying to achieve the
goals set by Ashraff himself.
Even though the SLMC was found by late Ashraff unfortunately it has
failed to follow his footsteps. The people will let them know shortly
what is correct. |