UPFA candidate Dr. Sudath Damsinghe stresses....:

Unity and strength vital to thwart external dictates

by Uditha Kumarasinghe

UPFA candidate for the Western Provincial Council Dr. Sudath Damsinghe said after the end the battle against terrorism, steps taken by the UPFA Government has shown the entire world how the country has achieved a significant progress with regard to development and reconciliation.

Dr. Sudath Damsinghe

Dr. Damsinghe in an interview with the Sunday Observer said under the farsighted vision of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Government has taken the country in the right direction. So I feel it is our duty to support this great endeavour.

He said a victory by the Government at the PC elections is very important as it would show the entire world the faith reposed on the incumbent Government by the vast majority. There is no doubt about a UPFA victory. What hope to win the forthcoming PC elections with an overwhelming majority.

Q: Being a medical doctor what made you venture into politics?

A: Politics is not something new to me. As a doctor, I have been doing a lot of social work in relation to children with special needs, mental health in general, prevention of non-communicable diseases etc. I have found that there are some limitations in achieving my goal. So I believe that I could overcome those challenges by entering politics. Further, I feel the present political atmosphere is suitable for professionals to venture into politics.

Q: Could you give reasons as to why you decided to contest the election on the UPFA ticket?

A: It is not a specific reason about the UPFA ticket. President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Government have done so much for this country. Winning the battle against terrorism under the leadership of the President is one of the significant milestones in world history. Even though a few sections do not appreciate this victory, it is in the hearts and minds of the majority of the country's patriotic people. After the end the battle against terrorists, steps taken by the UPFA Government has shown the entire world how the country achieved significant progress, with regard to development and reconciliation. Under the farsighted vision of the President, the Government is taking the country in the right direction. I feel it is our duty to support this great endeavour initiated by the Government.

Q: Do you have any priorities after being voted into office?

A: My priority is the health of the people. I will continue the work that I have been doing in promoting the welfare of the children with special needs and their families. They need a proper social system, legal framework and school integration facilities. I plan to train preschool and school teachers in the Western Province on first aid. As you know, the lack of knowledge among school teachers on first aid has caused a dangerous situation in schools. Therefore, I feel it is high time to have such a systematic training program to protect our children. As you know, our population is aging fast. By 2020, twenty percent of our population will be over 60 years. Having considered this, I thought it is important to develop the medical sector specially relating to the aging population. In addition, priority should also be given to the mental health of the teenagers.

Q: Would you like to express your views on the US Resolution against Sri Lanka at the UNHRC sessions?

A: We have to understand that every country has their own political agenda. Powerful countries always attempt to dictate terms and take other developing countries under their control. Powerful countries adopt various tactics to realise their goal. Human Rights is one of the instruments that they use to interfere in the developing and emerging countries.

The US resolution against Sri Lanka should also be understood in that backdrop. First we have to rally round as a nation irrespective of differences to fight against this challenge. Secondly, we have to win possible international support and make foreign countries aware of the significant progress achieved by Sri Lanka after end of terrorism.

We also have to play an important role to debunk the myth created by the pro-LTTE Tamil diaspora in the international arena. Therefore we should take all these factors into account when attempts are made to counter this US sponsored resolution.

Q: Many political scientists have described the Provincial Council system as a white elephant eating into the national wealth. What are your views?

A: Provincial system or whatever political framework should be described in relation to the prevailing political environment in the country. When the PC system was first introduced, a dangerous situation prevailed in the country. At that time, a terrorist group was operating in the country.

If the powers of the PC system went into their hands, it would have been a disaster. However that situation has changed completely today. Therefore, we have to take maximum use of the existing system.

Q: The Opposition contends that any victory by the Government at the PC elections has no relevance to the human rights issues at the UNHRC sessions in Geneva. Your views?

A: As a country and a nation, we should show our unity and our strength to the world. Therefore, the victory achieved by the Government at PC elections is very important and it would show the entire world the faith reposed on the Government by the majority of the people.

Q: Are you optimistic of a UPFA victory at the Western and Southern PC polls?

A: There is no doubt about a UPFA victory. We will win the PC elections with an overwhelming majority.