UPFA's win in Kandy heralds new era of prosperity:

Fresh breath of air in hill country

By L.S. Ananda WEDAARACHCHI

The United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) achieved a landslide victory at the Local Government Elections 2011. It was a clear endorsement of the policies of the UPFA government led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The UPFA's victories of national provincial and local government levels were not experienced by any other political party in the world in the recent past.

The UPFA has won over 80 percent which is 271 out of 322 of the local councils in the 2011 election. The main opposition United National Party (UNP) could however win only 10 local councils. The Ilankei Tamil Arashu Kachchi (ITAK) won 30 LG bodies while the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) a UPFA constituent party won five. The National Congress and Tamil United Left front (TULF) won two each.

The Kandy Municipal Council (KMC) which remained a UNP bastion lost out to the UPFA after 58 years. Thushanta Mahindra Ratwatte son of former Defence Minister and SLFP national organizer Anuruddha Ratwatte topped the preferences list with 6948 votes.

In an interview with the Sunday Observer Ratwatte expressed his views on the future development plans for KMC.

Excerpts of the interview:

Q: How do you evaluate your victory?

A: This is a historic victory for me and the Kandy voters.

They were disappointed with the UNP administration which continued for over 58 years. Some times when I travel some parts of Kandy which are so underdeveloped that I could not believe whether it was Kandy. For instance take "Mahayaya" or "Mahaiyawa" where over 1,400 families are living under enormous difficulties. Five or six families are living together in a small hut with their children. They do not have toilet or water facilities or electricity. There are similar underdeveloped settlements in many parts of Kandy deserving urgent attention. I had a tough time in my election campaign since my rival was the mayoral candidate.

Q: The UNP administration in the Municipal Council should be responsible for the basic problems faced by the city folk. They have this time reposed their confidence in the UPFA and its policies. How do you look into this situation?

A: The 58 years UNP administration in the municipal council was an utter failure. The KMC needs the support of the Central provincial council and the Central government for the future city development program. The government had already announced a master plan for development of Kandy city. We should pursue its early implementation.

Q: You have given thought to serve your people?

A: I have given up my lucrative private sector career to serve the people. The George Stewart Company where I worked as Director Marketing won the "Best overall exporter 2011" national award recently. It was a clear result of team work I believe that I can help transfer Kandy city with the support of those interested in its future development.

Q: Is it correct to say that you have a political background which helped mould your future vision.

A: Yes. We grew up in a political background. My father Anuruddha Ratwatte was a former minister. He had a busy schedule attending to the needs of those who sought his assistance. He is still the SLFP national organiser. My brother also took to politics. He is Kandy District Parliamentarian.

Q: People very often complain that the LG bodies have failed to provide a good service due to corruption, inefficiency and malpractices. Would you like to comment?

A: The ratepayers voiced their concern about these evils. My first task will be to reform the municipal administration and make it a service oriented agency.

It is because of the UPFA's peaceful campaign no political violence took place as a result of no political victimisation occurs the change of the KMC administration this time corruption, inefficiency and malpractices have to be banished from the administration.

In providing services to the ratepayers those should not be discrimination on politics, caste, creeds or religious grounds.

I will not take hasty action pertaining to issues affecting to ratepayers. All aspects of the problems will be looked into before a final decision is made. Decisions so agreed should be implemented within a specified time frame.

Q: Local Government bodies have a responsibility to ensure a high environmental and heritage standard in cities. What have you got to say about this with reference to Kandy MC?

A: Foreign and local tourists do not miss to pay a visit to Kandy.

Environmental and health sectors should be updated to conform to higher standards. The master development plan for the Kandy city contemplated by the central government covers all aspect of the city development.

Q: The mayor is the first citizen of the city. It is a position above petty party politics?

A: I always stand by the people. Our principal aim is to serve the people. The UPFA candidates worked as a tea. Now all municipal counsellors despite political differences must get together and work hard to improve the lot of the city folk. The economically sound countries in our region such as Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia have reached greater heights in their economic performance due to their unity and hard work. Why can't we reach such status. We can very well eliminate poverty and achieve our target, if we follow the correct path. I am glad to say that some professionals including doctors have expressed their willingness to conduct community programs such as health camps and self employment workshops free.

Q: What are your education credentials and details about your family?

A: I had my primary education at S. Thomas' College Mount Lavinia and later enrolled at the Trinity College for secondary education. I joined the Stassons Group, Colombo as an executive tea taster in 1987. Later joined Hemas followed by George Steuarts where I was appointed Director Marketing. I am married, my wife Pia and I have three sons, Dilini (17) Dinuk (16) and Dinara (8) who are studying at present. I wish to thank all those who supported us to achieve this historic victory in the hill capital Kandy.