Focus on LG elections in N-E:

Peaceful co-existence, the dream of Tamils

by L. S. Ananda Wedaarachchi

The message delivered by the Local Council Elections in the North and the East is that the Tamil community wishes to live in harmony with other communities, said Child Development and Women's Affairs Minister Tissa Karaliyadda in an interview with the Sunday Observer

Extracts of the interview:

Minister Karaliyadda with pre-school children

Manioc cultivatedon a large scale in Jaffna

Q: The results of the local elections in the North and the East represent a remarkable difference compares to previous election results. The UPFA had obtained 35 percent of the total votes from those districts. Your Comments?

A: This is an encouraging situation. Although some extremist Tamil political parties tried their best to poison the minds of the Tamil voters in North and East with communal politics, it did not succeed. It was the Government's massive development programs and the hopes the Tamils entertained for a bright future that had a bearing in their vote.

Following the elimination of LTTE terror, infrastructure facilities such as roads, electricity, water were developed. The agriculture sector experienced a boom and every inch of the fertile lands in North and East was cultivated and the people accumulated wealth. Extremists cannot stop country's forward march. The election results have reflected the people's opinion.

Q: During the months long stay in Jaffna you had freely moved with the people. You had said that the experience you had with the children, women and elderly people was worthwhile. Could you further elaborate on this?

A: It was really a great experience. We had a time when we could not move with the people even in Rajarata - North Central Province, without adequate security. We are the servants of the people and as such we have to live with them. Thanks to President Mahinda Rajapaksa's leadership today we have freedom to travel to any part of the country. Different sections of the Jaffna community expressed their views on a number of issues.

They want to live in harmony enjoying the fruits of prosperity. They are noted for their quality of working hard to realise their ends. We have noticed signs of suspicion on their faces when they began to talk to us. Their minds had been poisoned by terrorists. They had their second thoughts and became close friends later.

Q: Do you have plans to improve the living conditions of women and children who bore the brunt of the LTTE terrorism.

A: We moved with the people and we have understood their aspirations. As minister in charge of children and women affairs I got first hand experience of the people who had been victimised by the LTTE terrorism for over three long decades. President Rajapaksa gave a patient hearing to us when we explained the problems affecting the Jaffna people. The President told us to make regular visits to Jaffna. So we decided to visit and be apprised of the people's needs and engaged in the developmental activities.

Q: Can you explain the plans to ameliorate the conducting relating to children and pre-school education in North and East?

A: Our ministry wants to provide assistance to pre-school education institutions. Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa donated 6000 pre-school kits. Part of them were given to those in North and East. Some Non-governmental organisations work tirelessly to ensure the services of the child development programs. A London based organisation also works with the Ministry and donates shoes, food, books, clothes to children each month.

Children and Women’s Affairs Minister Tissa Karaliyadda addresses schoolchildren in Jaffna

The Women’s Committee meeting in progress

Northern Province Governor Maj. Gen. G. A. Chandrasiri had introduced a scheme whereby pre-school teachers will be paid an allowance of Rs. 5000 from Provincial Council funds. Children are the future of the country and as such it is our responsibility to promote their lives.

Q: There is a grievance that the budgetary allocation is not sufficient for your ministry

A: Yes, that is true. Women Affairs and Child Development Ministry has to implement a series of welfare programs for the children and women who forms more than 60 percent of the population.

Q: What do you think about Sri Lankan women?

A: An attitudinal change is a prerequisite to upgrade the status of women in the country. Issues relating to women have become the most discussed and criticised topics. I want to introduce important changes that will have a positive bearing on the society. Generally women are not discriminated except for some isolated incidents. There are however many instances of women being oppressed because of gender.

Q: What do you propose to rectify this situation?

A: Women undergo endless hardships due to poverty. Poverty should be eliminated at all cost and income levels too have to be improved. The Government and INGOs have a vital role to play in developing the status of women. The Ministry's focus is drawn to improve women's economic capabilities mainly in rural areas.

We have launched programs such as promoting pottery industry and we have provided cows to some families. Now in some areas women successfully engage in the pottery industry and they earn an income which is enough for their necessities.

Women have been often fallen victims to domestic violence. Some of the problems affecting the women cannot be easily overcome. Numerous issues affecting the Sri Lankan women are related to their social background, poverty and lack of education. Since these issues are deeply rooted it cannot be get rid of.

Q: "Women's Committees", is another program launched by your Ministry - Can you explain its ach

A: "Women's Committees" were set up in each Grama Seva Divisions. Through these committees the Ministry reaches out to women who deserve special attention. Women's problems and needs are easy identifiable through these committees. I believe it is the nexus to reach the rural women. We have to realise these objectives to ensure overall progress.