I have maintained my integrity within the party - Nanda Muruththetuwegama

Excerpts of interview with Colombo District UNP candidate and a veteran in legal studies, Nanda Muruththetuwegama.

Q: For those who have not heard about you, could you describe yourself?

A: I am a hard working professional and a social animal. But if you are interested in my Curriculum Vitae, I was born in Ratnapura and came from humble beginnings. I won the Year 5 Scholarship to Ananda College, Colombo and later became a senior prefect . I was the secretary of the Oratorical Society and had the privilege of leading the Ananda College debating team. Later on, I entered Law College where I developed a passion for student welfare. I won the student union elections with a record majority.

Along with some of my friends I founded the 'Centre for Professional Studies' (CFPS) which turned out to be the market leader in Sri Lanka for the last two decades. I was involved in human rights activities for a long time and had the opportunity to appear in several political and human rights cases. I have also contributed as a writer, political critique and a lyricist.

Q: Why did you decide to contest? And that too from the UNP?

A: As a person who had benefited from free education, I feel that I have a duty to give something back to my country. The real gentlemen of all political parties will give up politics in time to come, leaving thugs, racketeers and riff raff with no moral principles to govern Sri Lanka. We must arrest this trend. Given my experience in leadership and my passion to inspire people to do the right thing, I believe that I can do something creative in politics.

Since Independence, UNP has been the main single political force in Sri Lanka. It has a long-term vision and I believe it is the only party that can unite the nation. That is the reason I chose the UNP.

In fact, I am not new to the UNP. I have been serving the party in various capacities for the past 25 years and never wavered in my policies for the sake of pecuniary benefits. I was appointed chief organiser of the UNP for Kalawana during a challenging period where I united and inspired the underprivileged people in the remote electorate. However, the UNP leadership requested me to contest Colombo to fill the leadership vacuum created by those who left the party for personal gain. I took it up as a challenge and agreed to contest this election.

Q: The UNP is a party which is on the decline so, why didn't you join the UPFA? Don't you think you can work for the betterment of the people from a ruling party?

A: As I stated earlier, I joined the UNP because I believe that it is the only party with the right vision and commitment to take Sri Lanka forward. I haven't and will never switch my allegiance which is based on principles.

Yes, the UNP had a few setbacks. Then under the Executive Presidency, it was the UNP that never faced any setbacks? In our case this was further compounded by a significant number of people's representatives crossing over, betraying their constituency for personal gain. I believe that voters from all parties should take a firm stand and vote only for credible leaders who have stood by their policies over a period of time. The current vacuum has created a good opportunity for the right people with the right principles to stand up and take the party forward.

I think the mission of the day is not to join the Government but to strengthen the Opposition and fight against wrongdoings. If we can do that, the people will rally round us soon.

Q: You are branded as Ranil's man, who as a leader is not so popular among the masses which might have a negative effect in the upcoming polls?

A: It is said that form is temporary and class is permanent. Ranil is a classy leader and a visionary. I think Sri Lanka should be led by a principled leader with a clear vision, if we have to survive the challenging global conditions. "Ranil being unpopular among the masses is a popular fallacy."

I should say that I do get the blessings of Ranil, Karu and all the senior leadership because I have always maintained my integrity within the party.

Q: The Democratic party (DP) is on the attack and entering into your UNP voter base, many frustrated UNP supporters are joining hands with the DP and what is your party strategy to attract the lost voter base? And what are you hoping to do as a candidate to keep your grass-root supporters intact?

A: Most of the major democracies in the world have a two- party system and likewise there has been no long term space for a third party in Sri Lanka. Even the national leaders of the calibre of Gamini and Lalith could not change that.

But I agree that the DP can erode the vote base of both the Government and the Opposition in the short term. I believe that there would be an overall advantage rather than a disadvantage to the Opposition because DP's main criticism is towards the Government.

Q: The UNP does have a dual leadership now, you have Ranil Wickremesinghe as your national leader, and you have the leadership council. Will it be helpful for the UNP to win? Won't it create confusion as to who has the final say?

A: Dual governance is not a new concept and it is being used with good effect in developed countries. Both can compliment each other which could have a synergistic effect on the party.

The new system has united and strengthened the party and decision- making has become much more democratic as never before. In fact, the UNP is currently the most democratic party among all the major political parties in Sri Lanka.

Q: Tell us what your chances of winning the WPC polls are?

A: I have a strong vote base in Colombo and I have the blessings of party stalwarts because I have worked steadfastly for the UNP for the past 25 years. I am confident that I will be assured of a convincing victory. My priority in this election is to attract new voters for the party and strengthen the course of the Opposition.

Q: You have lectured law entrance studies for over 100,000 students and 60,000 of them are from the Colombo District, and 5,000 have passed out as lawyers now. What is their response to you? Are you confident of their vote?

A: Yes, all of them know that I along with a few friends of mine revolutionisd legal education in Sri Lanka which was restricted to a wealthy few. My students respect me and believe in me. Most of them have come forward to strengthen my political journey. Not only have they voted for me they have been actively involved in my election campaign.

Q: You have authored a few books which include an interesting book titled "The History of UNP". Tell us as to what made you write this book?

A: I always had a passion for history because history guides our future.

I believe that the history of UNP is actually the political journey of our nation. During my research, I was able to uncover so many untold stories of Sri Lankan politics. It gave me a lot of insight into what our nation is and what we have to do next.

I thought I should share my experience with fellow citizens. I should specifically thank the UNP leadership for supporting and encouraging me right throughout this process.

Q: Tell us finally as to why the people of Colombo should vote for the UNP and vote for you in perticular?

A: Colombo is probably the most multi-ethnic district in Sri Lanka. The UNP respects culture and values of all ethnic and religious groups and it is the only party that can unite these groups and bring in a tangible peace.

Secondly, the UNP under the leadership of Ranil wickremasinghe has also proved that it could govern better. We have a vision as well as the discipline to run the Western Provincial Council more efficiently than the other political parties. Finally, strengthening the UNP means you are raising a voice against corruption and injustice.I invite people in Colombo to join hands with me in my quest to build a more civilised society with law and order.