Developing Kandy city, my aim

By L.S. Ananda WEDAARACHCHI

The city of Kandy will be upgraded without regard for political, racial, religious or linguistic differences as the sacred "Dalada Maligawa" was redeveloped to its pristine glory with the support of all segments locally and internationally, said former 'Diyawadana Nilame' and Kandy Municipal Council UNP mayoral candidate Neranjan Wijeyeratne in an interview with the "Sunday Observer".

Excerpts of the interview:

Q: You held the prestigious position of 'Diyawadane Nilame' of Sri Dalada Maligawa for over 20 years. What makes you to take to politics?

A: My only hope is to serve the country I strongly believe that I have all the ability, experience, other similar qualifications such as close international relations to render a better service to the Kandy people in my capacity as the Mayor of Kandy. I am really proud when I am told that I performed my duties of the office of Diyawadane Nilame of Sri Dalada Maligawe in a dignified manner. I organised the annual Dalada Perahera for over 20 years and even before, for ten years. I have helped the former Diyawadane Nilame to organise the perahera.

What is your blueprint to develop Kandy city?

A: Kandy, a world heritage city is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The Peradeniya botanical garden, the university, the virgin beauty of Hantana are other natural attractions in Kandy. We have a program to develop the Kandy city. Electricity, water, health and housing problems will have to be given priority.

An employment generated program for youth will be implemented, sports facilities will be extended to all corners of the city.

A scholarship fund with the assistance of local and foreign philanthropists will be set up for needy children of the area. Modern Management techniques will be introduced to the municipal administration to facilitate the public in their transactions. A comprehensive waste management and recycling program along with alternative energy generation through garbage refuse will be implemented. A well planned multi storyed low-cost housing complex to provide permanent roofing for needy families will also be implemented.

Q: Do you think it possible to launch these projects without the support of the central government?

A: In the past I had obtained support from all sections of the society - irrespective of party politics to develop sacred Dalada Maligawa. Even the foreign leaders supported my efforts and it was a great success. I do not indulge in petty party politics. I am a great lover of my fellow beings. I strongly believe that the people will support me to implement my program to make Kandy a developed city. I consider it a national responsibility to develop the sacred city of Kandy. I have the track record of fulfilling the responsibilities bestowed on me. The LTTE terrorists attacked the Sacred Dalada Maligawa in 1998 January 25. Later with the help of all sections of the society I carried out the renovations in such a way that its prestine glory could be restored.

Q: It is widely known that your ancestors served the country in different capacities your comments?

A: My grandfather Sir Edwin Wijeyeratne and my father Nissanka Wijeyeratne rendered a great service to the country. Sir Edwin Wijeyeratne served as the first Home Minister of D.S. Senanayake government and later as the Sri Lankan High Commissioner in the United Kingdom.

My father was one time minister of Cultural Affairs and Minister of Justice. It will go down in the annals of history that it was my father Nissanka Wijeyeratne who took the lead in making Anuradhapura a sacred city on the initiative of the then Prime Minister late S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike.