Kotikawatte - Mulleriyawa PS intensifies development programs - Chairman Prasanna Solangaarachchi

By Ananda Agalakada

Kotikawatta Mulleriyawa Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Prasanna Solangaarachchi's political journey was not a bed of roses but he reached where he is today due to sheer perseverance, dedication and commitment. From humble beginnings he has been lifted to great political heights by the people due to his unwavering commitment in serving them. People have shown their gratitude and trust to the youthful politician by continuingly appointing him as their leader. In this interview with the Sunday Observer Prasanna Solangaarachchi describes his political career, achievements, setbacks and future plans.

Q: How did you come to be a politician?

A: Actually it was during school days that I began to think about a career in politics. When I was in grade eight and nine I longed to visit Jaffna but could not do so due to terrorism. I always thought that if this war could be ended we could achieve great heights as a nation. I wanted to be a part of this new Sri Lanka and help the country achieve peace and progress as a representative of the people. I was very fond of politicians such as Vijaya Kumarathunga, Chandrika Kumarathunga, Vasudeva Nanayakkara, Felix Perera, Douglas Devananda and Bharatha Laxman Premachandra. I had a collection of photographs of these veteran political figures. When I left from the school after Advance Level my favourite actor and politician Vijaya Kumarathunga had passed away.

Q: What kind of a role did the late politician Bharatha Luxman Premachandra play in defining your political career?

A: It is he who made me a politician. At the beginning I used to paste posters to support him. When I saw him at first he treated me very kindly and always guided me with words of wisdom. Even today I remember him calling my name on that first occasion. As time went on my admiration grew and I did a lot of work in the area supporting his politics. In 1993 and 1994 I did a lot of campaigning when he entered the parliament.

One day I was arrested on suspicion due to a minor offence and remanded by the police.

The former deputy minister Bennet Cooray and Lucky aiyya (Bharatha Premachandra) quickly came to the police and got me released. My father also came to the police and began to berate me in the presence of all as he thought I was arrested due to taking drugs with my friends. But this was not the case.

Q: When did you get the opportunity to come forward as a political representative of the people?

A: I always wanted to be a representative of the people. Be a leader and help them. I spent time with the people attending to various functions, their needs. As time went by, my popularity also grew. By this time the Pradeshiya Local Council polls were approaching under the then UNP government. I contested under the opposition banner to the Pradeshiya Sabha in Kotikawatta Mulleriyawa and was elected as the youngest Councillor in the country by obtaining 3,337 votes. Later I contested the Provincial Council polls which was in 2006. I won by securing 11,576 votes in the poll. In 2011 I became a councillor of the Pradeshiya Sabha by obtaining 42,322 votes which was the highest a candidate had received in the polls.

Q: Do you have aspirations to contest in a general election and get elected to parliament?

A: Yes, as all politicians I have that desire as well. I also expect to go to the parliament. But this is a long journey. You have to be tolerant and persevering and wait for the correct moment and opportunity. President Mahinda Rajapaksa is a great example in this regard.

Q: Do you think you have done justice to the trust the people have kept in you over the years by electing you as their political representative?

A: My politics has always centered at the grassroots level. I have always been with the people throughout. Working with them and for them is my joy and happiness. People have always been with me during both good and bad times.

This is I believe a sign of the confidence and love which they treat me with. They know that I will not abandon them in their hour of need. I have never promised them something I cannot do. What I have promised I have done. The people know me well and I am sure they will always be with me. They are my strength.

Q: Do you have political enemies?

A: Yes, there are with whom I would never have any association.

Q: What do you think of Hirunika Premachandra entering politics?

A: She is the daughter of my lifelong political teacher Bharatha Luxman Premachandra. If Hirunika needs my support in her politics I am always willing to help her.

Q: Can you tell about the ongoing development work in the Kotikawatta - Mulleriyawa Pradeshiya Sabha area?

A: There have been many development activities in the past and many more are in the pipeline.

These have benefitted the people in the area immensely. In a new program we are planning to develop the area of Angoda junction in a big way.

I have already discussed the matters in this regard with the Secretary of Defense and Urban Development Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Meanwhile, President Mahinda Rajapaksa recently told me to find a solution to the garbage problem in the area. So we are planning to address this issue in a very effective way. "Koika" company in Korea is going to help us in this regard.

Q: Do you have a message for the people whom you represent?

A: What I have to say is that I will serve them with dedication as I have done in the past.

I will never resort to earning money by involving in any wrongdoing and I am seeking to win the hearts of the people with my political experience.

I will carry on the development of my electorate irrespective of challenges.