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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

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.

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