My strength is my people - Jeevan

by Uditha KUMARASINGHE

Irrigation and Water Management Minister Jeevan Kumaranatunga says the people take a keen interest to support the Government to help form a two-third majority Parliament at the next General Election.

The Minister in an interview with the Sunday Observer said after the eradication of terrorism, it is time for everybody to support the Government to form a stable Parliament to take the country forward to achieve its goals.

Q: Do you think new candidates contesting from Colombo district under UPFA banner are a challenge to the senior politicians like you?

A: There is no challenge as such. I think the voters would cast their vote in an intelligent manner at the election by selecting the most suitable candidates.

Q: Do you think the present electoral system needs reforms?

A: Reforming the present electoral system would be favourable to the country. According to the present system, Parliamentarians have to represent the entire district. But we don’t have enough resources to cater to the needs of that entire district.

Therefore as people’s representatives, we have to face lots of inconvenience. If an electorate does not have its own MP, chances are more for that electorate to be neglected. A new electoral system which provides for a member of Parliament to represent his electorate needs to be introduced. Such a system would be more conducive to the voters and parliamentarians themselves.

Q: Under the present preferential system, chances are rare for the intelligent and capable people to come to power. It has helped only to those who have wealth to be elected to Parliament. Your comments?

A: That is why we stress the need for reforming the present electoral system. The present preferential system has provided more opportunities to those who have wealth to become popular by lavishly spending their money. In such a situation, I also agree the genuine people’s representatives have to face lots of hardships in coming to power.

Q: Do you think the Government can secure a two third majority at the next General Election?

A: During our election campaign, we educate the people to support the Government to form a two-third majority in Parliament. The Government could rescue the country from the three-decade old terrorism. However, certain LTTE friendly elements who could not realise their dream of Eelam still continue to achieve it from various other means. They are alleged to hatch various local and international conspiracies to achieve their goal.

A stable Parliament should be created to face such conspiracies. That is why we call upon the people to give a two-third majority to the Government.

They certainly support the Government to achieve its target. It is the time that everybody should support the Government to form a stable Parliament to take the country forward to realise its goals.

Q: The Opposition points out that the two third majority is not essential to safeguard the democracy or provide relief to the people. Your comments?

A: Two thirds is not really essential to safeguard the democracy or provide relief to the people. But we need two third majority to provide a meaningful solution to the national problem and introduce certain amendments to the constitution. A strong Parliament should be formed to defeat conspiracies hatched by the expatriate elements. The Opposition criticised the Government for forming the world’s biggest Cabinet. The Government had to increase the number of Cabinet portfolios due to the betrayal on the part of the JVP. When the JVP crossed over to the Opposition and indulged various conspiracies to topple the Government, it had to invite the Opposition MPs to join the Government to maintain its stability. The Government had to offer ministerial portfolios to those Opposition MPs. That is why the Government seeks two third majority to overcome such issues. We also accept the fact that the country should be governed by a small Cabinet. But it is a difficult task to reduce the size of the Cabinet in a balanced Parliament. Otherwise, it would provide the opportunity in the Opposition to “buy over” few frustrated MPs and topple the Government. Therefore, we urge the people to support the Government to secure a two third majority in Parliament.

Q: How do you view the popular film stars entering into politics? Can the people expect better performances from them?

A: I think this is a good trend. I also entered into politics as a popular film star. During my 15 year political career, I have fulfilled my mission on behalf of my country and its people. Still I continue to fulfil my responsibilities on behalf of the people. If a popular star enters into politics with a genuine interest, there is nothing wrong in it. A popular star can come to power by using his popularity only once. The next time, people would seriously consider what he has done for the betterment of the country and its people.

Q: Do you think the people in the Colombo district will show a more positive response to the Government at the next General Election?

A: Definitely, those who work for the “swan” at the last Presidential Election have also joined us. They are of the view that all Sri Lankans should unite themselves to turn the victory achieved by the country into a reality. Every citizen should dedicate himself to the country and support the Government to form a stable Parliament. It would turn Sri Lanka into “wonder of Asia” ! At present the people are rallying round the Government to help make it a reality.

Q: This time the UNP and the Democratic National Alliance contest the Election separately. Has this posed any challenge to the Government?

A: Not at all. This is very advantageous to the Government. The very same group has split into two and divide their votes. Most of the people who supported the Opposition Common Alliance have joined hands with the Government. This has become very advantageous to the Government. Even if these two groups join together, it poses no challenge to the Government.

Q: Why did you decide to launch your election campaign under the theme of “Let us protect humaneness” ?

A: I didn’t actually start my election campaign after the dissolution of Parliament. Since the day I entered into politics, I have worked closely with the people. I didn’t have any security barriers, backup vehicles or security guards.

Because I had my firm belief that the people themselves would protect me. I closely worked with them and they have appreciated my humaneness.

People have extended their fullest cooperation and work closely with me during the election campaign as well.

Q: Are you confident of your victory?

A: I am 500 percent confident of my victory. According to the current electoral system, there is competition among the candidates for preferential votes. Therefore I also try to get as much votes as possible.