UNP victory not far away:

Working for people, my guiding principle - Buddhika Pathirana

By Jaliya Wijekoon

Democratic political parties all over the world have experienced many vicissitudes in their existence.

The United National Party, which was founded by D.S. Senanayake in 1946, had been a dominant political force since its inception until the beginning of the new century. However, it has had its ups and downs in its long history, but the party did not remain stagnant in the Opposition for more than one parliamentary term prior to 2004.The repeated defeats suffered by the United National Party during the last few elections have resulted in a chaotic situation in the party. The party was riddled with problem after problem, mainly with regard to the leadership of Ranil Wickremesinghe.Wickremesinghe, the veteran and astute leader, weathered all the political storms and finally agreed on a Leadership Council proposed by the Maha Sangha to share responsibilities and drive the party to victory at a future election.

The United National Party conducted its 55th Annual Convention on a grandscale at its headquarters recently with the participation of front-runners of the party and every body agreed with one voice to work as a single unit, to form a UNP government in 2014.

The Sunday Observer had an exclusive interview with the most vociferous young Parliamentarian from the South, Buddhika Pathirana who agitated against the incumbent leadership, calling for reforms to the party constitution.

Excerpts of the interview:

Q: Your party constitution was amended sometime ago over your repeated requests and a few weeks ago a Leadership Council was formed to revive the party from its slumber. Are you happy with the present situation of the party mechanism?

A: Implementing party reforms is a long-term process. You can't do it overnight. The Leadership Council is no doubt a positive step towards future victory. However, it has a great responsibility in reorganising a number of areas or segments that we have speltout some time ago. I personally feel that it should be a six pronged program such as:

I The vision and future program of the party should be formulated to suit the needs and aspirations of people in the 21st century;

II To strengthen the grassroots level membership;

III Powers, responsibilities and obligations of the leadership;

IV Restructure all party affiliated institutions such as trade unions, professional bodies, voluntary organisations, pressure groups and intellectuals devoted to the party progress;

V To streamline financial and administrative matters of the party; and

VI To have a strong media network for party activities involving party education and international affairs.

If the Leadership Council (LC) properly addresses the above stated issues, I am quite confident that victory is not too far for us.

Key personalities

Q: Two key personalities appointed to the LC have still not decided to render their contribution for same. What is the reason for them not to take part in the LC?

A: I do not have a legitimate right to comment on other people's decisions.

Q:According to some stalwarts of the party, it has got a new lease of life with the formation of the Leadership Council. Your comments?

A: The grassroot leve membership is the final decision-making body. With the results of a future election, we would see whether the LC has been discharging their duties effectively and satisfactorily.

Q: It has been quite evident in the recent past that your party was divided into two groups such as Ranil's group and Sajith's group and you were one of the vociferous members in Sajith's group. Dont you think that these divisions weaken any democratic political party?

A: It is wrong to say the party was divided into groups. We only air our views on certain lines when we think is more democratic and people-friendly. It doesn't mean that the party is divided.

Q: How are the reorganisational activities in your electorate?

A: Well, I was suspended from the Chief Electoral Organiser's post for two years and I couldn't do much about it.

But I was constantly in touch with the masses of Akuressa and attended to their needs as much as possible. I shall be launching an aggressive reorganisational program from January 1, 2014 and hope to set up and streameline all our grassroots level branches, Yovun Peramunas and Lak Vanitha units as early as possible and recruit new members to the party within a short period.

Q: The Southern Provincial Council (PC) elections are round the corner. Are you ready to face it with confidence?

A: Yes, of course. I have already identified two or three promising candidates from the Akuressa electorate to field for the Southern PC and I am quite positive that they will deliver the goods. They are outstanding members in society who are already involved in politics.

Infrastructure development

Q: With the large-scale infrastructure development in the country followed by the dawn of peace, do you think it is possible for the UNP to topple this Government at a future election?

A: Although the Government eradicated terrorism, they have not managed to win the hearts of the people. People have grievances which have not been addressed so far. The cost of living has skyrocketed. The poor man has found it extremely difficult to make ends meet.

There are problems in the health, education and agriculture sectors which directly affect the lives of the down-trodden masses of the country.

In this backdrop, it is not difficult for us to mobilise the masses against this government, presenting an alternative program of work to ease the financial burden faced by them and become victorious at a future election.

Q: What will be your main strategy to woo public support for the party at the forthcoming PC elections?

A: The main political strategy would be briefed to us by the propaganda unit of the party headquarters, and as provincial organisers, we may adopt our own methods to garner support in our areas.

Q: As an upcoming young politician, would you like to elaborate your future program of work for the benefit of your people?

A: Well, in a nutshell, I could say that my firm intention in life

is to work for the masses, irrespective of any differences, from the womb to the tomb.

That is my motto. From the time I decided to get involved in politics, and perhaps even before that, I had been helping people on their various needs.

After I became a Member of Parliament, I have streamlined all my community development and social welfare activities in the district under four main categories education, health, infrastructure development and poverty alleviation. I help needy people and personally receive great satisfaction.

I am not engaged in these things with the only intention of winning future elections, but for my happiness and satisfaction.

Q: What is your final target or ambition in your political career?

A: My initial and final target is to work for my countrymen, irrespective of any differences, and to establish a peaceful and harmonious political culture in the country devoid of bribery, corruption and mismanagement.