Hambantota, our soul

Career fashioned by toiling masses:

Q: What drove you to venture into politics?

A; This is my ambition since childhood. When my father was elected President of Sri Lanka, he found it rather difficult to continue his close contact with the people of Hambantota. They wanted a forum to ventilate their grievances. The gap has to be filled!

My father who was born and bred in Hambantota district continued to live with its humble people right through. He had felt the pulse of its toiling masses.

In his capacity as Member of Parliament, Minister and even as Prime Minister he continued to maintain close ties with the people. Even today for those in Hambantota still my father is `Mahinda Mahattaya' rather than the President! My preschool education began in Hambantota and I spent my school vacation too there. I have visited every nook and corner of the Hambantota district.

It is my lifelong ambition to serve the district and that is why I chose politics as the proper forum to achieve my future target!

Q: Before you thought of a future political career, did you think twice?

A: I had to decide between politics and my higher education. I have completed my LLB London examination and first year in the Law College. I think now is the most auspicious time to start my political career.

Q: Do you think there is a dire need in the country for the youth politician?

A: It was rather dismal in the past. This time it is different. More youthful politicians from all districts are expected to represent the parliament at the upcoming general election. The youthful exuberance is there.

Q: Was the "Tharunyata Hetak" a conduit for you to realise your political ambition?

A: Not at all! Had it been so, Hambantota would have been the centre for the Organisation.

It was merely the springboard for me to gather experience which had eventually strengthened my political soul. Access to politics through youth organisations is a novel experience for me. It has no parallel in this country or in Asia.

Q: Then what made you to launch your, `Nil Balakaya?'.

A: Yes, it has a political objective. `Nil Balakaya' was made cynosure to the youth who were 'fed up' with party politics. Politics should inspire the youth in the country otherwise it would cause an injustice to them.

Nil Balakaya wants to make the youth, a political being and harness his energy to the task of developing the country.

In certain quarters we see today the youths are 'politicised' for the sake of narrow political gains.

Q: As a youth how do you look at the politics of the day?

A: It needs a lot of changes. Political skulduggery, corruption and terror should be dispensed with and grievances redressed.

Q: Most of those who enter politics with honest motives later get bogged themselves in the quagmire of politics. How do you feel it?

A: Yes, it is true, First you have to probe into the roots. My view is that the hands of the ministry secretaries need be further strengthened. We must inculcate a sense of love in the minds of the political aspirants. Attitudinal changes specially on the part of the politicians and those around them are truly a necessity to pave the path for young, honest politicians to come up!

Q: Will there be room for conflicts of interest between the youth politicians and the veterans?

A: The veterans should be assured of their due place. We should be able to point out their shortcomings, if any in parliament or outside.

Q: You want to be a full-timer in politics or is it going to be only a short stint?

A: It depends on my performance in the next six years.

I really want to practise as a lawyer while being engaged in politics. I shall be a full-timer in politics in my home-town Hambantota. I have just entered the political arena. More vistas are kept open before me.

Q: Your privileged position as son of the President has made you the point of attraction in the country! Your comments?

A: Yes, there is some truth in it. In Colombo and Kandy, Namal is popular as a ruggerite. Others know me as son of the President. I was fortunate enough to embark upon my political odyssey, specially as son of the President but my future depends on my own political performance.

Q: What are the pros & cons of your unique position as son of the President?

A: More are the disadvantages. There are advantages as well. It would have been easier for me to take the 'Tharunyata Hetak' to my home town, yet it restricted my freedom of movement. People expect more from me despite my recent foray into politics. My responsibilities are heavier. It is of paramount importance for me to safeguard the good name of my parents. I should conduct myself in such a way as to ensure smooth relations between the President and his ministers.

Q: What would be the climax of your political career?

A: Yes, my aim is to reach the zenith of the political ladder which my father conquered! At the same time I would continue to retain my identity as Namal Rajapaksa!

Q: Would you accept a ministerial portfolio?

A: First I should be elected a Member of Parliament. I am still in the threshold of politics. I should understudy the political contemporaries of my father and the SLFP political veterans.

It is not fair for political novices to aspire to high positions!

Q: What do you think of the final outcome of the upcoming general election?

A: It is no exaggeration that the UPFA would be the winner. We can secure the two-third majority as well. Perhaps somebody might pose the question whether Namal Rajapaksa too would aspire to be the Executive President.

The President has said he would abolish the executive presidency if he gets the two-third majority in parliament. It is not my interest. What is important in this election is to elect a new parliament. capable of reforming the current electoral system in the country.

Q: What is your message to the UNP youth?

A: I shall enlighten him on the need to think twice about the country. The greatest weakness on the part of our youth is that they do not read the party manifestoes. They practice the kind of politics bequeathed upon them by their parents. They should make correct decisions after comparing and contrasting the various party manifestoes.

Q: What are the problems inherited by the people in Hambantota district?

A: Unemployment tops the list!

Unemployment is the common lot of all! The UPFA has surpassed its predecessors in providing employment to the people! There is no problem about electricity in Hambantota. About 96 per cent of its population enjoy the luxury of electricity! Infrastructure needs further improvement. The market for the farmers, fishermen and for such products as gold, brass, clay etc. has to be expanded & updated!

Q: The UNP asserts only they possess the key to economic miracles. Your Comments!

A: It is unfortunate that there would not be development in the sphere of such basic public utilities as water supply, electricity, road network & so on under a UNP government. The 2001 UNP government's development priorities being confined only to the Colombo Master Development Programme, is proof of what I said also.

It is only the UPFA that could ensure the country's development and prosperity!.

Translated by K. D. M. Kittampahuwa