Quality of education will be maintained - Kapila Edirisinghe

Guiding budding politicians in the Gampaha Municipal Council election campaign Kapila Edirisinghe from the United National Party pledges that they will be with the people at all times. Edirisinghe, as a candidate and the former Deputy Mayor of Gampaha MC spoke to the Sunday Observer on plans to develop the area.

Following are the excerpts of the interview.

Q: How do you view the present election campaign?

A: It is a huge success. We focus on meeting people during our house-to-house visits and pocket meetings. Our vision is what is forwarded by Ajith Mannapperuma, the former Mayor of Gampaha during his tenure. We see a significant breakdown in the past two years in the Gampaha Municipality. People need a change, according to their responses during our visits.

Q: What is lacking in Gampaha?

A: Gampaha has nearly 45,000 voters. A large number of children come to Gampaha for education. We have the third largest library yet it lacks books and furniture. Gampaha has produced number of intellectuals. The present education system needs to change to cater them as well. This is a city for the educated and Gampaha people cannot be fooled. The reputation for education should be maintained.

And the Municipal Council should take steps to increase the income.

During 2002 and the following years many steps were taken to introduce income generation strategies of the MC.

The Gampaha fish market, the Yakkala Sunday fair were great sources of income. Today they seem to be neglected.

The only solid income the MC has is income taxes. Garbage disposal is a big problem for the residents.

Q: How do you plan to address the problems of people?

A: Definitely garbage disposal, street lighting should be addressed immediately. If not people's health and safety will be at risk.

There should be more facilities for schoolchildren to enhance their knowledge. Otherwise they will leave this town creating a vacuum.

Marketplaces, Public vehicle parks should be set up as they provide a service to people while generating an income to the MC.

Q: How did you plan the United National Party's campaign?

A: We have got youth for the campaign. We need more people's representatives. People's requirements need to be brought to the MC for which we need more representatives.

Many say that UNP lacks youth representation but in our case we are trying to persuade youth to join the campaign with the support and guidance of the veterans.

Q: What do you pledge for your people?

A: We promise to serve people. We will not favour bend down heads to money or for petty issues. We will remain as their close friends and be in the front representing their needs at all times. We will be with the people forever.