All are equal irrespective of race - Deputy Speaker

By Uditha Kumarasinghe

Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody said Sri Lanka was one of the founder members of the Commonwealth and also one of the oldest democracies in the region. “We will always contribute in the best possible manner to protect and safeguard such values. But this does not mean that there is room for anyone to hold an inquiry against us”. The Deputy Speaker told the Sunday Observer. “We are not afraid of inquiries because we have a judicial system which is refined and dependable. We can hold investigations or inquiries over what has taken place in Sri Lanka, no one else needs to be worried about our internal affairs”, he said.

The Deputy Speaker said the Government's decision to permit Channel 4 Director Callum Macrae to visit Sri Lanka gave a positive picture to the world about Sri Lanka’s media freedom. It also showed the world how active and alert the Sri Lankan media was. When Channel 4 decided to take the train to the North, no one was aware of it but the local media got wind of it. The papparazzi is active here as well. Our media knew where Channel 4 journalists were heading to and what exactly they were planning to do. This shows how proactive our media is”, he said.

Q: British Prime Minister David Cameron has set a deadline for Sri Lanka to conduct an independent investigation on alleged human rights violations committed during the final stages of the humanitarian operation. Do you think that they have a legitimate right to make such a rigorous demand as we are an independent nation?

A: Even a small child knows that Sri Lanka is a sovereign and independent state. We eradicated terrorism to maintain our integrity, sovereignty and independence. By doing so, we have safeguarded thousands of lives from the clutches of terrorism.

Had it been prior to 1948, Cameron would have been in a position to say that. Even at that time, a majority of the public didn't approve of this country being under anyone. If he endorse democracy and talks of democratic values, he has to be mindful of what he is talking.

He should be mindful that he has been elected by the people of the United Kingdom to function as its Prime Minister for a specific period and not function as the Premier forever. We would also like to remind him of the time frame the British took to look into atrocities committed by the Irish. They took over 40 years to release the report on Ireland. Here in Sri Lanka, it is ten times faster addressing our issue. Because these are strictly Sri Lankan issues.

Everyone is equal in Sri Lanka whether they are Sinhalese, Muslims or Tamils. President Mahinda Rajapaksa considers all of them as Sri Lankans. The President has categorically stated that there is no minority or majority in Sri Lanka.

Q: The UNP says that the 98 points agreed at the conclusion of CHOGM has created the backdrop for an international inquiry against Sri Lanka. What have you got to say?

A: The Commonwealth does not have any jurisdiction to hold inquiries. It is a forum where Commonwealth countries discuss various issues and reach a consensus on certain matters. Sri Lanka as one of the founder-members of the Commonwealth and also as one of the oldest democracies in this region will contribute towards protecting and safeguarding such values. But that does not mean we are making room for anyone to hold an inquiry against us. We do not fear any inquiry because we have a judicial system which is refined and dependable. We can hold any investigation or inquiry about whatever that has taken place within Sri Lanka. No one needs to be worried about our internal matters.

Q: Don't you think the UNP's boycott of the summit has created mixed impressions among delegates about the Government's political transactions?

A: The UNP can't claim that they boycotted the CHOGM. UNP Parliamentarian Gayantha Karunathilaka participated in the Commonwealth People's Forum and Colombo Mayor Muzzammilattended for the Commonwealth Business Forum and the opening ceremony. UNP MP Harin Fernando was present at the Commonwealth Youth Forum. Some UNP Parliamentarians made their representation at CHOGM while others didn't. They have not taken a unanimous. Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe talks high about the Commonwealth and its values.

We often see him in Parliament and elsewhere wearing the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) tie. As a person who talks much about Commonwealth values and Lattimer House Principles , we expected him to be present at the forum and share his knowledge and vision with other countries. I don't understand why he acted as a coward without presenting his opinion in an open forum. It was not a Government Group Meeting , it was the Commonwealth Meeting. What I feel is the people are clear about his hidden agenda.

Wickremesinghe has made things clear to the public that he has a hidden agenda against the Government. He visits countries which attempt to interfere into our internal matters and has individual dialogues with them. Why isn't he in a position to discuss matters openly? Now his integrity is at stake. Sri Lankans appreciate those who are straight forward.

Q: This is the first time that a Sri Lankan President was elected as the Commonwealth chair, how do you look at this significant opportunity?

A: I must say that it is a golden opportunity that we have never got in our history. It would be difficult for us get this opportunity in time to come. Our President as one of the most senior democratically elected leaders in the world will be in a position to direct the Commonwealth to give priority to the rights of the majority of the people whose rights have been impinged. The President will look more into the common poor in the Commonwealth, because they have more grievances.

Q: President Mahinda Rajapaksa has completed eight years in office. Do you think that in addition to the eradication of terrorism that he has lived up to the expectations in good governance?

A: Certainly. When we talk about good governance, prior to 2009, we didn't have the right to live. We were not sure of our future. We couldn't move from one end to the other within the country. We didn't have even the freedom of expression due to security reasons. There was no press freedom. Often, the Competent Authority had to intervene. We could not see development at any point of time. Under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, mega development projects such as having a second international airport, new ports, expressways, electricity, water and other infrastructure facilities are a reality. Our tourism industry has also shown a dramatic increase.

We have never recorded one million tourist arrivals in our history. Foreign Direct Investments of this magnitude has never come to Sri Lanka. Agriculture and home gardening projects have commenced at grassroot level. The development of 1000 schools and 5000 primary schools were never thought of. When we talk about the pluses during the eight- year governance of the President, today all this is a reality. Aclassic example is the development of Colombo harbour.

Q: The Government has spent a colossal amount of money for the CHOGM. Do you think that the country will be financially and economically benefited with the future activities of CHOGM under our chairmanship?

A: Certainly. We cannot achieve anything without cost. Every achievement incurs cost. After the 1976 Nonaligned Summit, we have never had a conference of this magnitude.

The expenditure made for the preparation of the environment will be for the benefit of Sri Lankans for generations. We should always look optimistically.

If we are say we should have not done this, we would have not organised a conference like CHOGM. When we organise a key event of the magnitude of CHOGM, we had to do our best to impress delegates who came to Sri Lanka. Because the impression that they take out of the country is invaluable. To get that invaluable image about Sri Lanka, I think the money spent for this summit can be justified.

Q: Giving the greenlight to Channel 4 Director Callum Macrae to visit Sri Lanka caused a certain amount of chaos in media circles and also was an embarrassment to the Government. Your comments?

A: I think it gave a positive picture to the entire world about Sri Lanka’s media freedom. It showed the world how active and alert the Sri Lankan media is. When Channel 4 journalists decided to go by train to the North, no one knew that. But our local media got wind of it. The papparazzi is not only in their countries. The local Media knew where the Channel 4 journalists were going and what exactly they were planning to do. This shows how proactive our Media is. When our President went to Oxford University to deliver a lecture, they couldn’t give a protection to our President. When our national cricket team was there for World Cup, they couldn’t ensure the security to our team. They couldn’t control those pro- LTTE elements. Callum Macrae is a journalist of an unknown channel who is trying to become popular by using these tactics, even for a person like him, the Police gave immediate protection and evacuated him unhurt.

Q: Most of the trade unions are demanding for a Rs.10,000 pay hike for state employees and Rs.5000 for private sector employees and a reduction in prices of essential food commodities in the 2014 Budget. Do you think that it is a reasonable request or to what extent could it be considered?

A: As Parliamentarians who are elected by the people, we would be the happiest if such demands can be fulfilled. Our President would be the happiest because he is a veteran politician who has held almost every position in this country as a democratic leader. But there are practical realities. Trade unions are making this demand not due to lack of knowledge.

They want political mileage from these types of gimmicks at the cost of the people’s hopes and aspirations. Who won't like to give benefits to the people?

Who is the politician who won't like to see that the people are made happy? These political tactics are being used and overused over the years. When these demands are made, people know that these are not realities and is only a means of gaining cheap publicity.

Q: Former star cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan demonstrated his Sri Lankan identity irrespective of communal differences in the dialogue he had with British Prime Minister David Cameron. Don’t you think other Tamil politicians should emulate Muralitharan?

A: It is not only the Tamils, all Sri Lankans should follow him. There are certain sections in the Sinhala community who go against the country. It is not only sections of Tamils who are tarnishing the image of the country. Some Sinhalese do the same thing. We must think as Sri Lankans and should be patriotic. The day the majority becomes patriotic and begin to think as Sri Lankans, we would move towards a better era.