John quashes crossover rumours

By Jaliya Wijeykoon

Speculation was rife that UNP stalwart and senior Parliamentarian from the Gampaha district John Amaratunga would cross over to the ruling party following his visit to the Holy Land with President Mahinda Rajapaksa. However, on his return to the island, Amaratunga has quashed these rumours and clearly stated his stand with regard to the visit which he undertook with the consensus of the party hierarchy.

The Sunday Observer had an exclusive interview with John Amaratunga to ascertain the political situation in the country, his party activities and the future course of action with regard to the forthcoming Provincial Council Elections.

Q: The Government is busy making preparations to counter the allegations that would be made against Sri Lanka at the UNHCR sessions in Geneva in March. You had recently said that you are even prepared to go to Geneva along with the Government delegation. What role can the Opposition play, representing the country in Geneva?

A: We have our reservations regarding the Government's approach on a number of issues that would be taken up at the UNHCR sessions. However, as a responsible Opposition and a patriotic and true democratic party, we shall always try to safeguard the interests of our countrymen, leaving aside our differences with the UPFA.

We have very clearly stated our stance to the Government, but unfortunately, they didn't respond positively to our requests at the beginning and made a mockery of the situation with their constituent partners who do not possess an iota of knowledge on intricate international issues. However, our party has nominated Lakshman Kiriella and Thalatha Athukorala to represent the UNP at the sessions along with the Government delegates and they will work cordially with the Government to counter whatever allegations that would be levelled against us.

Q: Your party has been plagued by problem after problem during the last few years with the repeated defeats it had suffered at the last few elections. Some UNP members pointed an accusing finger at the leadership of Ranil Wickremesinghe for the downfall of the party.

What is the present position of the party? Have the problems been sorted out?

A: It's true that we have had some internal problems in the party and some who were not seasoned politicians started accusing the leadership for being stagnant in the Opposition for a long time. This is natural in any democratic political party, especially a party which has had a glorious past.

There were many problems and divisions in the SLFP from 1977-1994. They even lost the Opposition Leader's post in the House in 1977.

The United National Party rendered an invaluable service to the nation and completely revolutionised the economy and the social fabric of the country under three of its leaders during those 17 years. With all that, we were defeated at the 1994 general election. That is the beauty of democracy. Although there were divisions and factions, everybody united at the latter stages and we were driven to the Opposition.

When one party has been in power for a very long time, naturally, people opt for a regime change. That is exactly what has happened today. We are quite confident that we can easily form a UNP government at the next general election.

Future victory

Q: How can you be so confident of a future victory when the Government is engaged in mega development projects which will boost the economy in the near future and provide better living standards for the people?

A: What people need most is not large-scale development projects, but a low cost of living. Today, the cost of living is extremely high and everybody is finding it difficult to meet their expenses in their day-to-day lives. Public servants are the most affected section of society with their limited income. Poor people are driven to the streets and we will soon see people digging into dustbins to satisfy their hunger.

Not only the cost of living, consider the problems in other vital areas which cater to the daily needs of the people.

The health sector is riddled with innumerable problems. There are no drugs in hospitals. Poor patients have to buy even paracetamol from pharmacies. Welfare measures provided even to Samurdhi beneficiaries have been curtailed, driving them from the frying pan into the fire.

People expected some relief from the last budget, but what did they get? Prices of all essential food items have drastically increased and there is a severe shortage of milk powder.

Only about five percent of the entire population are benefited while the majority is undergoing untold hardships with the ever increasing cost of living.

History has proved that when the common man is hit by poverty, they always change the ruling party.

It's only a matter of mobilising the masses against the Government, presenting them an alternative program of work which will guarantee an affordable cost of living for us to form a UNP government at the next general election.

Q: Do you think that the UNP Leadership Council, which was formed recently, has done enough to restore the lost glory of the party?

A: Of course, yes, it is constantly engaged in the re-organisational activities of the party in all areas. Moreover, it has eased the burden of the party leader to a great extent.

Q: But two of the key persons who were nominated to the Leadership Council have refused to make their contribution. If the Leadership Council is such an effective body, what was the reason for them to abstain from taking part in it?

A: May be some people have reservations over the Leadership Council, but nobody has flatly rejected this supreme council. Thalatha Athukorala has agreed to sit in the Nomination Board. Some unscrupulous media institutions are engaged in a malicious campaign to tarnish the image of the Council as it has already posed a threat to the Government in consolidating our party. I am sure Sajith Premadasa will also make his contribution to the Council soon.

Q: Why were you not appointed as a member of the Leadership Council?

A: Well, I have a bigger responsibility as the Chief Opposition Whip of the House and I am full-time engaged in these duties.

PC elections

Q: The Provincial Council elections for the Western and Southern Provinces are round the corner. How is your party preparing for this?

A: Our party headquarters is flooded with applications seeking nominations for candidatures for both provinces from people from different professions and different strata of society.

We are in the process of choosing prospective candidates for the two provinces.

We have to field quite a number of fresh and formidable figures in addition to the sitting members.

Q: Have you already decided not to give nominations to the two dissident members of the reformists group, Maithree Guneratne and Shiral Lakthilake?

A: We have not taken a final decision on the nominees for either province. Maithree's and Shiral's requests would be scrutinised and the most appropriate decision would be taken by the Leadership Council within the next few days.

Q: Has disciplinary action against them been withdrawn?

A: I am sorry, I do not know anything about it.

Q: Is your party confident of success at the forthcoming PC polls?

A: Yes, we are quite confident of our victory with the present situation in the country.

Q: What is going to be your main election strategy at the campaign?

A: Well, it is too early to disclose all minute details of our election strategy, However, we will mainly educate the masses and pressurise the Government to re-establish the Public Service Commission, Police Commission, Elections Commission and Judicial Services Commission to maintain law and order in the country with justice and fair play being meted out to all citizens. Under the circumstances, we strongly believe that the people will vote for the UNP at the PC polls.