Media Minister confident of people's faith

by Manjula FERNANDO

Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena in an interview with the Sunday Observer says the UPFA will secure more than five seats from the Matara district despite the Opposition shedding crocodile tears over the grievances of the people.

He says he is confident of the faith people have placed in the Government and the re-election of the UPFA with an overwhelming majority. He also calls for an immediate change to the present 'descriminatory' electoral system which promotes violence and incite hate politics.

Here are excerpts of the interview:

Q: How is the UPFA election campaign faring in Matara?

A: We are in the final phase of the polls campaign. The response of the people is extremely good, actually better than we expected. We must work with the President to strengthen his hands to develop the country and realise his vision to make Sri Lanka the Miracle of Asia.

My personal opinion is that all Opposition parties must shed their differences and get together to work with the Government.

Q: In the 2004 parliamentary election, the UPFA secured five seats from Matara. You were in the Opposition then. How many UPFA members will be elected this time?

A: We are confident of winning five seats. But our target is to send six members to Parliament from Matara.

Q: The Opposition says that this has been the worst period for the country's people. They claim that the Government has failed to grant relief to the people although the war was concluded 10 months ago?

A: This had been their slogan during all past elections, they do it out of habit now; claiming that the Government failed in this, that and the other. But no one is interested in their rhetoric anymore. This was again proved at the last presidential election. People understood the efforts made by the Government and showed their gratitude. We have no doubt in the confidence the people have placed in this Government. We will continue to serve them during the next six years as well.

Q: Will the new Cabinet be smaller?

A: It will be the sole responsibility of the President. I am sure he will listen to the people's voice when appointing the new Cabinet. This is one reason why he should be given a bigger mandate.

Q: Some members of the Government say they are confident of a two-third majority at the polls. Is it a reality in your opinion ?

A: That is what we ask from the voters. If we get a two-thirds majority, the Government would be in a position to make a big difference in the country in terms of development and effect the much needed constitutional changes to address the long-standing issues of the country. It will also end the culture of minority parties imposing themselves on the Government.

Q: Can you elaborate on the changes you seek to bring in?

A: We must amend the outdated laws in the Constitution. We have pledged to scrap the Executive Presidency. There are so many laws and areas in the administrative sector which need modification. In addition, the laws governing the appointment of members to the Commissions and the current electoral system are a few areas that need the backing of a stable Government for any changes to be effected.

Q: What do you think of the current preferential voting system? There is a huge outcry that this system needs to be changed, but unfortunately, all will be forgotten once the election heat is over?

A: It definitely has to be changed. This is such a discriminatory process. It may help you elect a suitable person to Parliament, but the violence it unleashes is outrageous.

This system is a big burden on our economy and clashes with our culture. It wastes national funds, damages State resources, incite hate politics among fellow members of the same party and is a stimulus for corruption and malpractice.