President keen to address N-E grievances :

No intimidation of voters:

President’s stature unrivalled - S. B. Dissanayake

by Uditha KUMARASINGHE

Former UNP National Organiser and Minister S.B.Dissanayake said conferment of a honorary doctorate to President Mahinda Rajapaksa says the Russian Government and the People’s Friendship University have highly acclaimed the service rendered by the President to the nation. Dissanayake who was recently appointed SLFP Organiser for the Udunuwara electorate in an exclusive interview with the Sunday Observer said the President is fully committed to go for a program to win over the people in the North and East and rectify the past errors which had led the Tamil youth to take up arms. Excerpts:

Q: The Opposition has decided to file an election petition. They have also urged the people not to accept this election result. Your comments?

A: This is an absurd attempt made by the Opposition. Ranil Wickremesinghe, Mangala Samaraweera, Mano Ganeshan and Rauff Hakeem are attempting to take the people for a ride. They could take Opposition Candidate Sarath Fonseka for a ride and he believes this claim. Serious poll rigging had been reported in several elections conducted in this country. One was the 1982 District Development Council Election held in Jaffna. This led the Tamil youth to divide into six armed groups and they were dragged towards a suicidal struggle. This struggle commenced after the Jaffna library was burnt down, with the blessings of then UNP Government.

The Referendum was the second occasion which recorded large scale poll rigging. The vote of SLFP Presidential Candidate Hector Kobbekaduwa was also cast at this referendum. Poll rigging was also recorded at the Mahara By Election which was contested by late Vijaya Kumaratunga. After that various allegations of poll rigging were levelled against the North Western Provincial Council Election conducted under the then PA regime. Unfortunately we also had to be part of that sin. Ranil Wickremesinghe was the Campaign Manager at the Referendum and again was the Government’s trustee during Mahara By Election.

All the present allegations levelled by the Opposition of poll rigging and election malpractices took place in those previous elections. It was Mangala Samaraweera who shamelessly told the television channels and press conferences that the North Western Provincial Council Election was conducted in a hundred per cent free and fair manner. He also requested me to make a similar comment. But I flatly refused to do so.

Persons like Mangala Samaraweera are now saying the Presidential Election is not free and fair. The chance of rigging votes was completely prevented due to the decision taken to make the National Identity Card compulsory. Therefore, there was no poll rigging or any intimidation of voters. This was the only election which provided the opportunity for the people to cast their vote from Point Pedro to Point Dondra in a more peaceful manner. Earlier Ranil Wickremesinghe, Mangala Samaraweera, Mano Ganeshan, Rauff Hakeem and Sarath Fonseka also conceded this is a free and fair election.

After complaints were made by the Opposition, the Election Commissioner introduced a series of new measures to prevent any attempt at changing the ballot boxes when they are being transported. Arrangements were also made for the Opposition representatives to go along with ballot boxes as a precautionary measure. The Election Commissioner didn’t make use of the services of Agriculture Research and Production Assistants or other political appointees for the election. The Election Commissioner took all precautionary measures to prevent any election malpractices. The Opposition representatives were also present at each Counting Centre.

I think the Election Commissioner was under stress due to the pressure exerted by the Opposition. According to Postal vote results, the people could surmise the President would achieve a landslide victory. The Government didn’t want to indulge in any computer gimmick to change the results. The Opposition attempts to impress that the election results were manipulated by the Government in a systematic manner. What happened was that the people extended their gratitude to the President magnanimously as he rescued them from the LTTE terror.

The Opposition allegations were so serious that it turned Election Commissioner, Assistant Commissioners, District and Divisional Secretaries, the Government officials, IGP and all Police officers into corrupt public officials. The Opposition attempted to take the people for a ride by making such baseless allegations.

All public servants are greatly disappointed over the baseless allegation levelled by the Opposition. This is a very free and fair election conducted in our country. The Election Commissioner has also endorsed it.

Q: Do you think if the Opposition contests the upcoming General Election as an alliance it will pose a challenge to the Government?

A: Not at all. If they contest as an alliance, they would be able at most to obtain 57 or 58 seats. If they contest separately, they would obtain around 40 seats. The TNA would obtain nearly 17 or 18 seats. Whatever Opposition alliance is formed, it won’t be able to pose any threat to the Government. According to the recent election results, the Government will certainly obtain over 133 seats. During this election, more Opposition politicians will join the Government. At present a large number of opposition supporters in our villages are joining the Government. Muslims and Tamils are also joining the Government on a large scale.

The Tamils and Muslims in the estate sector were misled into believing that Sarath Fonseka would definitely win the Presidential Election. As a result they voted for him. But this situation will change at the upcoming election. It would further increase the vote gap between the Government and the Opposition.

Q: In view of the Presidential Election result in the Northern and Eastern provinces, do you think the Government should implement some more programs to win over the people in these two provinces?

A: Definitely. The youth in the North took to arms due to shortcomings on the part of Sinhala political leaders. In 1912, the democratic Tamil political parties asked the colonial government for one seat out of the two represented by the Sinhalese in the country’s legislature. In 1921 Tamil politicians wanted two out of the three represented by the Sinhalese. In 1937 they were of the view that if there are 50 Sinhala seats, minorities should also be given 50. After 1948, Tamil politicians proposed a federal system. The Tamil politicians were pushed into that position since Sinhala political leaders of major political parties systematically curtailed the rights of the minorities. Earlier the majority Tamil community in the North didn’t extend their support to any of these proposals.

After the 1936 election, a hundred percent Sinhala Cabinet was formed. As a result the support of the Tamils for the 50-50 representation and federal system increased.In the late sixties, Tamil public servants had their grievance. This also led to further push them towards separatism. The minority rights were removed by the 1972 Republican Constitution. The 1978 J.R. constitution didn’t restore these rights. This led to ethnic clashes. A large number of people were assaulted and killed. A massive poll rigging took place at the District Development Council Election held in Jaffna. The Jaffna library was set on fire. This compelled the youth in the north to take to violence.

Now the war is over. Therefore attention should be focused on the root cause which compelled the youth in the North to take to weapons. This may be in relation to devolution of power,language, culture, education and development. In order to win over the people in the North and East, a massive recovery program should be implemented. At present the Government has commenced a massive development drive in these two provinces under the “Nagenahira Navodhaya and Uthuru Wasanthaya” programs.

The President is very keen to listen to grievances of the Northern and Eastern people. He is fully committed to go for a flagship program to win them over. Only 25 or 30 percent of the people in the north did cast their votes at the Presidential Election. Those who didn’t vote for the President also didn’t vote for Sarath Fonseka. They didn’t listen to what both the Government and the TNA said. Those who didn’t vote the President don’t have any hatred towards the President. They were only disappointed. Some of the Tamils who voted against the President did so as they were not in favour of certain Tamil politicians but not against the President.

I think the Northern people have achieved both peace and freedom. The Tamil community in the North enjoys themselves the highest benefits of the war victory. So with the Muslims in the East. They have understood it. People in the North and East feel the freedom they enjoy themselves today. The youth in the North are today able to move freely and come for employment in Colombo without any hindrance. It was President Mahinda Rajapaksa who gave freedom to them. The people will definitely understand the President’s great commitment.

Q: Will the Government be able to form a stable Government with a two thirds majority after the General Election?

A: Definitely, the Government would be able to from a stable Government after the election. Sometimes there will be a shortage of five or six MPs to form a two thirds majority Government. But I am very confident the Government has the ability to fill that gap. I think if the Government goes for a constitutional amendment, it can get the support of the TNA as well.

Q: How does the Government plan to conduct its election campaign? Has the Government decided to introduce more new faces to the upcoming General Election?

A: I am now a newcomer to the SLFP. I think the President has given directions to introduce more new faces from the party. The Government will conduct a well organised election campaign throughout the country in a more peaceful manner. But under the present electoral system, the candidates will go for the preferential votes competition as usual.

Q:What is the reason for the failure of the Common Presidential Candidate put forward by the Opposition?

A: Who brought this Common Candidate? Firstly, he was brought by the LTTE- friendly elements who supported and collected funds to Prabhakaran. These elements also created an international opinion highly favourable to Prabhakaran. The Tamil diaspora knew Sarath Fonseka was going to contest the Presidential Election as the Opposition Common Candidate. I think the TNA didn’t want to extend its support to Sarath Fonseka. I also spoke to the TNA. Even till the end, TNA was of the view that they should support President Mahinda Rajapaksa. But the international Tamil diaspora is financially very strong. I think finally the TNA yielded to its pressure. Therefore, they joined hands.

Some persons like Ranil Wickremesinghe who tried to protect Prabhakaran, defeat President in the war and get down the UN Forces here really wanted to sponsor Sarath Fonseka as the Opposition Common Candidate. But both UNP and JVP supporters who highly admired the achievement of peace voted for the President by rejecting Sarath Fonseka. That is why the President could achieve the landslide victory. Sarath Fonseka had a personnel agenda. Finally he himself proved as a person having a fascist mentality. He would have captured power through a military coup, if he held his post for another couple of months. He is a very cruel and ungrateful person. President Rajapaksa did everything for him. But he turned back and attacked the President and the Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa who helped him to come to that position. People could very well understand Fonseka’s true picture and behaviour through the speeches made by him. Therefore the people rejected him.

Q:Do you think the mandate received by the President was an endorsement of the Government’s economic policies, in addition to the war victory?

A: Definitely. After the end of a war, the economy and production in most of the countries such as France and Germany collapsed by leading to severe financial crisis. The inflation and unemployment rapidly increased in those countries. Ho Chi Minh won the Vietnam revolution in 1965. After the revolution, a massive food shortage occurred in Vietnam. A large number of people in Vietnam died of starvation. Finally, Vietnam went for a liberal open economy. Today Vietnam has become the third fast developing country in the world. But none of these crisis situations were created in Sri Lanka. When the war commenced in Sri Lanka four years ago, our per capita income was US$ 1000. At the end of the war this had increased to US$ 2400. When the President assumed office, the country’s unemployment was around 8.5 percent. At present this has been reduced to nearly 5.5 percent. The inflation which was around 22-23 percent in 2005 has come down to one percent. Our foreign reserves have gone up over US$ 5000 million.

Most countries were seriously affected by the recent World Food Crisis. But Sri Lanka didn’t face such a crisis due to sound economic policies adopted by the Government. Even amidst the ongoing war, our banks or economy didn’t collapse and no food crisis ever created in Sri Lanka. Highways, ports, airports, mega irrigation schemes and low cost power plants were mere dreams during the past 20 years in Sri Lanka. All these dreams became a reality under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. In another five years time, there will be no unemployment in Sri Lanka. According to the massive development taking place, the country’s work force will be inadequate in future to cater to the demand. We will have to get foreign labour from our neighbouring countries as South Korea does.

The President has taken all possible measures to ensure a massive economic revolution. This will be a miracle. “Mahinda Chinthana Idiri Dekma” has clearly articulated this. The Government is very keen to create a very friendly environment for the local and foreign investors. Why did all intellectuals, artistes and erudite Buddhist monks join hands with the President? Because they very well understood in addition to the war victory, the President has also caused a miracle in our economy.

Q:Will the Government go for a constitutional amendment after the General Election?

A: Definitely. Because the issues relating to the devolution of power to the North, Provincial Council system, electoral system and other connected issues on the present preferential vote system have to be resolved.

Q:How do you view the President’s state visit to Russia?

A: At present Russia has become a fast developing country. After the collapse of socialism, US became the superpower in the world. If Russia was in a powerful position, the US could not have easily killed Saddam Hussein. Today Russia is moving forward rapidly. A power-sharing process is taking place in the world. Justice and democracy can be safeguarded if there is a balance between the executive, legislature and judiciary. The rise of Russia is a good factor. When the UN Security Council attempted to adopt some resolutions against Sri Lanka, countries like Russia always stood by us. Therefore, we should extend our gratitude to them. We should further consolidate our bilateral relations with Russia.

It is very clear Russia has acknowledged the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Conferment of the honourary title on the President delivers the message that both the Russian Government and the People’s Friendship Society have highly acclaimed the services rendered by the President to the nation. This is a great strength and bliss to our country. In addition Russia has also pledged to give US$ 300 million soft loan to Sri Lanka.

Q:As a veteran politician how do you view the leadership given by the President to the country?

A: The President is a true patriot and very bravely faces any challenge. He stood as a true patriot for the sake of our nation by successfully facing international pressure. This cannot be easily done by an ordinary person. The President could also well manage the Indian factor in a more friendly and strategic manner. Former Presidents J. R. Jayewardene, R. Premadasa and Chandrika Bandaranaike couldn’t do that. In addition, Senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapaksa and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa also played a leading role and helped the President to face the challenges. The President always took correct decisions. During the regime of Ranil Wickremesinghe, arrangements had been made to lay the foundation stones for highways and Upper Kothmale Project as well.

But he couldn’t commence even a single project. President Rajapaksa who commenced all these projects shows his political maturity and management skills to the entire world as a full fledged leader who has the ability to take quick and correct decisions.

Q: The Opposition complains to the Government on the arrest of Opposition Common Candidate Sarath Fonseka. They said this is an attempt made by the Government to take revenge from him. Your comments?

A: According to the Government and the Sri Lanka Army, an Army officer is governed by Army Law until he completes six months after his retirement. This applies to Sarath Fonseka as well. The former Army Commander tried to take us before the international war tribunal. He said instructions were given to shoot those who came with white flags. According to the international military law, this is a very serious offence.

When a former Army Commander makes such a statement, it poses a big problem to the Army. Therefore, the Army should conduct an investigation regarding that issue. Fonseka through this statement has inflicted a severe damage to the Army and on war heroes. Before he was arrested , he said that he would reveal everything before an international court.

He is going to betray the war heroes who made a supreme sacrifice to defend our motherland. Fonseka should have been told “ Even if I am imprisoned or killed, I will never betray my war heroes”.

He attempted to underestimate the great military victory and make us pariahs before the world. Is it an offence to conduct an investigation on such a person? The steps taken by the Government to arrest Fonseka and conduct an investigation are quite justifiable.