I am sure of my standing with people - Buddhika Pathirana

by Dhaneshi Yatawara

Q: We hear that you face a great deal of challenges in the election especially from your own party?

A: I’m not facing challenges at a personal level. I don’t have any challenges. In fact I prefer challenges. The more I face challenges the more I get strong. It is then that we naturally look in to innovative fresh ideas in our efforts to reach and serve people. It is by then only that we move in to new strategies within a democratic framework.

Q: Your slogan this general election states to protect the generation of tuskers (Chaddantha Parapura Rakinnata). It solely speaks of protecting the leadership of the UNP from the past to the present and does not say anything on serving people. What is your comment?

A: We are serving and protecting people by protecting the service and philosophy rendered by these great politicians who lead our party. We need to guard and carry out the services, strategies and foundations laid by our leaders to serve people and make this a better country.

Q: Yet majority of the people have not accepted these especially during the recent presidential election - neither the UNP’s philosophy nor its strategies. How do you see this?

A: No I don’t agree.

Q: Then why is the UNP contesting without Sarath Fonseka?

A: It was a decision taken by the party. We did have discussions with him but due to several issues rose up during that period it became impractical. We do not have any sort of dispute. I believe this is walking individually and fighting jointly, as Marxism teaches. There is no harm in absorbing the good and the best of any such philosophies.

Q: Marxism and the political themes of the UNP are totally different?

A: UNP is very liberal. Thus we have the freedom to adopt and absorb different political philosophies.

Q: Why does the UNP believe in fighting jointly? Is it because the party senses a loss of power?

A: No this statement doesn’t give such meaning. Because of the differences between a Presidential election and a general election, clearly we cannot adopt the same strategy. It does not mean loss of power or having disputes.

Q: This is the first time you are contesting to become a Member of Parliament. Do you strongly believe that people of Matara will accept you this time and send you to the Parliament to represent them?

A: Why should they reject me? People have not rejected me. I was appointed as the Opposition leader for the Southern Province in 2009 and I was the youngest. I topped the preferential vote list. In 2006, with these votes of my people I was able to win the Malimboda Pradeshiya Sabha - the only Pradeshiya Sabha in Southern Province which secured the majority for the UNP. When I was elected as a Provincial Councillor in 2004 people voted for me with a recorded highest percentage of preferential votes in the Southern Province and highest number in the Matara District. I received the TOYP 2006 award for the most outstanding young politician of the year.

I’m the only South Asian to be selected twice to the Executive Committee of the Young Liberals and Democrats of Asia.

Q: Are you satisfied with your service to your people?

A: I have served people, reached the needy communities even at a time when I wasn’t equipped with these powers of a politician. With or without such capabilities I have served people and everyone in Matara is well aware of the fact. Jobs given to more than 3400 youth and gave vocational training for more than 10,000 youth.

I managed to establish a fully-fledged modern IT centre in Malimboda, Akuressa at a cost of Rs. 40 Mn. I actively got involved in tsunami rehabilitation programs and housing projects through my personal contacts and no politics was involved. I was engaged and still am, in many works to upgrade the rural livelihood and make the youth of the area skilful to suit modern day demands and challenges.

Q: What is your pledge to your people? How do you plan to bring a sustainable solution to the people of Matara?

A: I’m confident of winning. That’s where we start.

It will be a strategy to end hunger, poverty and misery of the ordinary man. We focus on upgrading the school education to a higher level, bring the health sector to a more reliable and competent service.

Developing rural infrastructure facilities and road development strategies will be a solution to the prevailing problems Matara people are facing at present. The fishing industry play a major role in the economy and those fishermen are facing variety of problems at different levels. Bringing a sustainable solution to all is my ambition.

Q: You strongly condemn changing the political party. What assurance can you give to guarantee that you will not change?

A: I have certified this with my blood in front of Matara people. I may be the only one who took such an action. Such politicians who change political parties for petty gains will be thrown out like garbage by the people. That’s for sure. I have remained steadfast with the UNP even in a backdrop of the worst political summersaults as in 2007.

Q: Yet what is this comment that says you will join the Government because of a family member who has strong connection with the President?

A: If we win there won’t be any need to join the Opposition.