UPFA confident of bigger majority - PM

by Jaliya WIJEYAKOON

Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayaka, one of the most senior representatives in the legislature representing the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, entered parliament in 1960. He was not planning to enter politics but reading for his Barristers’ at Law in Lincoln Inn in the United Kingdom at the time his brother Munidasa Wickremanayaka who was a political activist faced an untimely death and young Ratnasiri was compelled to give up his higher studies and fill the vacuum created by his brother’s bereavement. He continuously represented the Horana electorate at successive elections since 1960 upto 1977 and was appointed as the Minister of Justice in 1976 by Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike. He returned to Parliament in 1994 and functions to date uninterrupted holding a number of important portfolios.

He was appointed Prime Minister and Minister of Internal Administration and Deputy Minister of Defence by President Mahinda Rajapaksa in November 2005.

The Sunday Observer had an exclusive interview with the Prime Minister with regard to the forthcoming General Elections and about the general political scenario with the latest developments among the political parties.

Here are some excerpts from the interview.

Q: It is an accepted fact that with the resounding victory of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, it is very easy for the UPFA Government to return to power. In addition to that advantage, what is the main theme on which you hope to spearhead the election campaign?

A: We launched the election campaign based on three or four main objectives such as to change the preferential voting system, an accelerate development and with introduction of violence free election and to create a new political culture.

With the introduction of the preferential voting system a massive amount of money has to be spent by each candidate in any party to get elected. This is quite evident going by the previous election results. It is not a healthy thing in a pure democracy. At times very good-hearted, genuine and suitable area leaders do not stand a chance to get elected due to financial difficulties. At the same time unworthy candidates spending enormous amounts of wealth during the election campaign step into Parliament and Provincial Councils. This unfortunate situation has risen with the preferential voting system and even party leaders have found it difficult to control or fully streamline the process due to various reasons. Therefore, we hope to do away with this system when we attain power at the next election.

Our next main pledge at the election is to accelerate the development drive which had been already started under the able stewardship of President Rajapaksa. Our country faced a gloomy period of over two-and-a-half decades due to gruesome terrorism and a huge amount of money had to be allocated annually on defence purposes. Now that the war is over and our next main challenge is to develop the country in all spheres. Development does not mean only constructing roads, buildings, bridges and supplying electricity. It is a vast subject which encompass a large spectrum of areas socio-economic, educational, spiritual and human behaviour. During our next term of office we will compartmentalise the development process under the main areas and speed up operations to achieve short-term and long-term positive results. We are quite confident of this whole exercise.

Our next main promise to the people is to conduct the election campaign in an admirable manner without resorting to any kind of unfair means. It is an accepted fact that some kind of violence had taken place at all elections in the past in varying degrees and we hope to put a full stop to this at this election. We have convened all our candidates and instructed everyone to refrain from any activity that will mar the results.

Q: It is quite clear that some candidates specially from the UPFA have already launched a poster campaign in the city even before getting their allotted numbers. When they get their numbers it will be even worse from next week. What is the reason for this? Is it true that whoever who gets the most preferential votes may stand a chance to get Ministerial portfolios?

A: Obtaining the highest number of preferences will not amount to a qualification for any candidate to get a ministerial portfolio. At the last Western Provincial Council elections the Ministerial posts were not given to the candidates who got the highest number of votes. Similarly it will be the same at the forthcoming general election too.

Q: Since you are a nominated member from the National List, you do not have to work hard in the Kalutara district. What are your priority areas in conducting the election campaign?

A: I will be fully involved in the election campaign islandwide supporting all UPFA candidates equally.

In addition we will also have to monitor the performance of new candidates with regard to carrying out their designated duties during the election period whilst attending to my official duties.

Q: After winning the 2010 general elections, besides the mega development program you elaborated on, what are other activities that you hope to carry out on a regional and provincial basis for the benefit of the people.

A: It’s a very good question. We hope to make some changes in the local Administration structure. The Pradeshiya Sabha system accompanied by preferential voting has been proved unsatisfactory over the years. We hope to re-introduce Village Councils with wards based on Grama Niladhari Divisions. By this, local representatives who command the respect of the people of the area would be elected and they will be directly responsible for the affairs of the area, Chairman and Vice Chairman would be elected by the wish of the majority of representatives.

The concept of ‘Jana Sabha’ is yet another rural administrative system that is being studied by us right now where the representatives from all parties jointly work for the development of the area on a honorary basis.

Initially these are the basic changes that we intend to carry out after assuming office for a fresh term.

Q: Having eradicated terrorism there is a clear field all over the country to engage in political activities. Do you intend to popularise the UPFA in the Jaffna Peninsula too?

A: Our party is open to anybody, anywhere. anytime and we welcome one and all.

Q: You being the most senior member in the SLFP, do you have any regrets in losing the hand symbol?

A: It’s not a matter of much concern. When we are divided on petty things we lose. When we are united we succeed.

I first entered parliament under the ‘Wheel’ symbol with Mr. Bandaranaike.

Q: You were the Prime Minister ever since Mahinda Rajapaksa became the President. Do you think that you will be the Prime Minister in the next parliament as well?

A: It’s the prerogative of the President to appoint the Prime Minister. If he decides to do so, yes I shall gladly accept. It’s in his hands.