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Govt has fulfilled its obligations - Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena

Deputy Economic Development Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said the Government acts with confidence and can face a snap election. It does not have any election fear. The Deputy Minister in an interview with the Sunday Observer said the government has during the past few years fulfilled its obligations and was ready to face any election. The Government won all the recently concluded elections with an overwhelming majority. It is obvious when a Government completes a few years in office, there are fears to face elections. On the other hand, there is a contention that popularity of the incumbent government wanes. However, the present UPFA Government not faced with such a situation. The people have placed their confidence with the government.

The Deputy Minister said at present President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Government faced no challenge from the Opposition. In a situation where the Opposition fielded a common candidate at the last Presidential Election, the President faced the election and won with an overwhelming majority.

He said if the TNA makes their representation at the PSC, it would help to give a strong signal to the international community and India as well. The position taken by the TNA at the PSC would be important. The UPFA and the UNP have confirmed their participation. The JVP would be restricted to a small margin. This would corner the JVP and they will have to take a decision regarding their position as well. Sometimes the JVP may not turn up due to political reasons.

They should make their representation to the PSC.

Q: Is the Government gearing up for a snap General Election? How confident is the Government about its popularity at this time?

A: The Government during the past few years has fulfilled its obligations and acted in a manner to face any snap election. The Government could won all the recently concluded elections with an overwhelming majority. It is obvious when a Government completes a certain number of years in office, it has some sort of fear to face elections. There is a contention that the popularity of an incumbent government wanes.

However, the present Government has not faced any such situation and the people have placed their confidence with the Government. The Government acts with a confidence to face a snap election and it does not have any fear of election.

Q: Do you think the UNP and JVP are divided into several factions and can pose a challenge to Government the at provincial or national polls?

A: The Government does not have any challenge at all. The Presidential Election was the key election in Sri Lanka. In a situation where the entire Opposition fielded a common candidate at the last Presidential Election held in 2010, President Mahinda Rajapaksa successfully faced the election and won with an overwhelming majority. The Presidential Election was the challenge faced by the Government. Because the Opposition nominated former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka as their common candidate for the Presidential Election. The UNP, JVP and all other opposition forces rallied under one banner to ensure his victory. If all the Opposition forces joined hands and could not pose any challenge to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and he achieved a resounding victory at the Presidential Election, today he has no challenge whatsoever from the Opposition. The second challenge faced by the Government was the 2010 General Election. However, the UPFA Government consolidated its power at that Election.

That election was held an atmosphere where the Government had brought its development drive to a good position at village level. A significant change has been made in the path of the country’s development, while the day-to-day activities of the people have turned to normalcy due to moves taken by the Government to restore peace. Under these circumstances, the Opposition is not challenge. Even after a lapse of some years, the Government does not fear an election as well.

Q: Have all constituent parties of the UPFA forwarded their views on the LLRC recommendations?

A: The Opposition without elaborating its stand on the LLRC report urges the implementation of its recommendations with immediate effect. The Opposition has not made any analysis on the facts contained in the LLRC report. We have taken initiatives to implement several recommendations in the LLRC report. But it will take some time to implement some of its recommendations.

The Government will also implement even those recommendations at the appropriate time. The Opposition should explain what recommendations can be implemented immediately and recommendations which can be implemented later. They should explain their position about the recommendations which should be subjected to changes and implemented with participation of the Opposition. The Opposition has not extended its support to such a move. The constituent parties of the UPFA have not yet forwarded their views on the LLRC recommendations in writing. But discussions are going on with constituent parties.

Q: What is the progress with regard to the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC)?

A:At present the UNP has said that they would participate in the PSC. As the main Opposition, the participation of the UNP is important. The JVP has refused to come to the PSC.

The TNA is scheduled to make an announcement regarding their position. As a whole, I see the TNA’s participation as the most important factor. The views of the JVP is also important. If the TNA comes to the PSC, it would help to give a strong signal to the international community and India. Because Sinhala political parties are already in the PSC. When the PSC is represented by the UPFA and the UNP, they have over 90 percent of power. Both these main parties have confirmed their participation. The position taken by the TNA on the PSC would be important. If the TNA comes to the PSC, this means it is represented by 99.9 percent political parties. In this situation, the JVP would be restricted to a small margin.

This would compel the JVP to take a decision regarding their position as well. Sometimes the JVP may not come to the PSC due to political reasons. But if they think in a justifiable manner, they should make their representation to the PSC.

Q: Is there any Cabinet reshuffle in the offing? Are more Deputy Ministers going to be appointed?

A: At any time, President can appoint or change Ministers and make changes to the Cabinet. It is a decision which is taken by the President according to powers vested in him by the Constitution. I can’t make any comment whether a Cabinet reshuffle is imminent.

Q: The President visited several high profile countries recently. Can you outline some of the benefits gained by the country as a result?

A: The country has been able to gain a lot of investment owing to these official visits made by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to several high profile countries. So many investors have shown keen interest to invest in Sri Lanka. President Mahinda Rajapaksa has focused attention to strengthen bilateral ties with all countries. He has laid emphasis on Asia, China and also India and Pakistan as well. Some of the Western forces attempt to interfere into our internal affairs to suppress and impose their will in other countries. However, the President has strengthened bilateral ties with all countries in the South Asian region, Middle East and European countries.

Q: There is a perception that the Government is implementing the LLRC recommendations due to external pressure. Is there any truth in this?

A: There is no truth in this. The most difficult time faced by the Government was 2008 and the early part of 2009. At that time, the war against terrorists had reached a critical juncture and the Government had to undergo financial hardship. An economic recession had arisen in Europe while pressure was exerted by the West against Government.

After we won the war against the most dangerous terrorist outfit in the world, the Government will not bow to external pressure. As pledged in the “Mahinda Chintana policy”, the Government believes a homegrown solution to this problem and has no intention for any other solution. The Government maintains that a homegrown solution is suitable to the country should be found through consensus. The Government has no need to implement LLRC recommendations due to external pressure.

Q: Was the release of Sarath Fonseka due to any foreign pressure?

A: It was President Mahinda Rajapaksa who brought Sarath Fonseka into that position. Various sections were opposed to appointing Fonseka as The Army Commander. But the President had vested powers to Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa to make recommendations to appoint top military brass when the military operations were going on against terrorists. It was the Defence Secretary who recommended to appoint Fonseka as Army Commander.

The President appointed Fonseka as Army Commander based on the recommendation made by the Defence Secretary. If Sarath Fonseka was not appointed as the Army Commander, the war would have not been stopped. The decisions regarding the ongoing military operations are taken by the political leadership and those decisions were implemented by the Security Forces.

Under President J.R. Jayewardene, the then Defence Minister Lalith Athulathmudali had given good leadership to conduct the war against the LTTE. As a result LTTE leader Prabhakaran was at the grip of being caught at Vadamarachchi.

The Govenment succumbed to Indian pressure and withdrew. Everybody is well aware about this situation. If the political leadership decided to halt the war however powerful the Army Commander’s will have to withdraw his forces. Sarath Fonseka became a war hero due to the political decisions taken by the President to finish off the war. We appreciate that Sarath Fonseka has rendered a service to the Army.

But he could not reach that position without a political backing. It was the President who gave him that backing and took the decision to end the war against terrorists. Earlier four Presidents ruled this country. But they couldn’t do due to external interference they could not eradicate terrorism and from time to time had Ceasefire Agreements signed. President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Government did not hold any ceasefire with the LTTE because of the political decision taken by the President.

Sarath Fonseka was imprisoned based on several issues pertaining to the white flag incident, criticising the Security Forces and using Army deserters for political activities. These charges were investigated by a war tribunal and Fonseka was imprisoned and found guilty to some of these charges.

His case went on for about two and a half years and he was in jail during that period. However, the President decided to give him a pardon under the powers vested in him by the Constitution. The President signed the document to release Fonseka on May 18, a day prior to commemorating war heroes and the day on which LTTE leader Prabhakaran was killed. This does not mean Fonseka was released as he was not found guilty to any of these charges, he was released under Presidential powers. All the cases filed against Fonseka were withdrawn and he was released from all those charges.

When he was released, he had filed a case in court and it had to be heard. Following an agreement, he withdrew this case and was released. The decision taken by the President to release Sarath Fonseka was a good move. This is a decision taken by the President based on sympathetic grounds without keeping any hatred. So there is no question about releasing him.

Q: What are the Government’s plans to bring the North and the South together and achieving reconciliation between the main communities?

A: Development was the main thing expected by the people. At present a massive development drive has been launched in the Northern and Eastern provinces. The second important aspect is political power.

At present nearly two third of political power has been given to Pradeshiya Sabhas and Provincial Councils. The Government also conducts resettlement activities. This issue has originated due to the language problem.

At present the Government’s language policy of teaching Sinhala and Tamil languages is being successfully conducted. The LLRC report has not made any reference on the devolution of power within a separate State. It has only recommended to devolve power at grass roots level. It has already been at Pradeshiya Sabha level.

The Government has proposed a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to obtain views of all political parties to create the necessary environment for reconciliation. If a consensus is reached at the PSC, the Government would be able to implement these proposals. At present the Government has entered into this process.

Q: The Government has gained a favourable response to resettle IDPs and rehabilitate ex-LTTE combatants. The TNA has praised the excellent role played by the Army in this regard. Do you think this could be used as an example to other countries which have problems with displaced people, rebels and who are looking forward to integrate such people into their societies?

A: Some Western countries which exert pressure should be aware about the ground situation of countries which face a war situation. We can’t say these Western countries behave in this manner and are unaware about the true situation in those countries.

Over four million people in Palestine have become refugees and they have not been resettled. Even journalists can’t report. Basic human rights of these people have been gravely violated.

A lot of deaths of innocent civilians are also reported from these countries. Some people have died from starvation. When the situation of some of these conflict affected countries is compared the situation which prevails in the North can be described as unique, the Government is in the process of providing required facilities to the people in the North.

Our Security Forces treat the people in the North with humanity aspect. Most of the refugee camps in the North have been removed and there are only about 2500 to 3000 IDPs in the North.

Q: What are your comments on the Government’s Trilingual Sri Lanka Program and what is its role in the process of reconciliation?

A: This is an important initiative taken for reconciliation. I think an environment can be created within this framework for reconciliation among all communities. But this should be implemented properly as soon as possible.

Q: One of the most significant books on humanitarian operation was “Gota’s War” launched recently. Why do you think that this book is a historical document with regard to the humanitarian operation?

A: When we read this book written by C.A. Chandraprema, we realise the decisions taken and the dedication made by Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa to win the war against terrorists. Earlier the war was abandoned. The book has analysed how our Security Forces acted during that period and the leadership given to them by the Defence Secretary to boost their morale. The significant feature of our humanitarian operation was that the Security Forces were not given instructions to harm innocent Tamil civilians and then end the war.

Defence Secretary always gave instructions to the Security Forces to conduct the war in a manner innocent civilians would not suffer. The book has also explained being a former military person, how the Defence Secretary balanced the three Armed Forces and also maintained a close rapport with the President by ensuring discipline among the Security Forces. The book narrates how the Defence Secretary reached his ultimate goal by winning the war against terrorists. This book can be described as a historical document.

Because no former Defence Secretary worked closely with any former Presidents or they were not able to give leadership to the three Armed Forces by creating a cordial relationship among them. This is the difference between the present Defence Secretary and all former Defence Secretaries. Most of the former Defence Secretaries did not have military experience.

The Defence Secretary with his military expertise and being the brothe of the President used his powers to create a close co-ordination with the three Armed Forces and boosted their morale.

He respected to those who should be respected in the three Armed Forces and placed competent people in key positions. It was the Defence Secretary who insisted to appoint Sarath Fonseka as Army Commander. That is how he handled the three Armed Forces to win the war. His prime target was to rescue the country from the clutches of terrorism.

As the Defence Secretary, he maintained discipline within the three Armed Forces. Therefore I see the Defence Secretary as a distinguished personality who has fulfilled his duty on behalf of his motherland.

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