Premier Modi's vibrant leadership will spur SAARC - Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva

By Uditha Kumarasinghe

Leader of the House and Irrigation and Water Resources Management Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said that Indian Prime Minister Modi would give vibrant leadership to SAARC and formulate policies and programs for SAARC to be a strong regional organisation in the area of economic development, trade, culture and man-to-man contact in the region. The Minister in an interview with the Sunday Observer said that there will be a positive development of relations among SAARC countries. Prime Minister Modi is a veteran politician who has earned a reputation as an action-oriented resource person and not just a talk shop. The Minister is optimistic that India would also improve bilateral relations with Pakistan. Usually, we see ups and downs in Indo-Pakistan relations. It is important that there will be peace and understanding between these two nations in the region.

The Minister said the Government’s position is clear, in that it does not want to give any credibility to a biased UNHRC investigation by taking part in it. The UNHRC has become more or less a political organisation dominated by the West. The composition of the UNHRC is in favour of the West. Asia, Africa and the Caribbean countries don’t have much votes in the Council. Since of late, their approach has been to look at issues from a political perspective. This has been said by Sri Lanka as well as many other member countries who have been members of this organisation for the past four or five years. It is a sad scenario.

Q: Do you think that India with Prime Minister Modi at the helm can make SAARC a sort of an ASEAN or EU to South Asia ironing out thorny, bilateral issues?

A: India has a strong Central Government now. Premier Modi is a veteran politician who has earned a reputation as an action- oriented resource person not just a talk shop. I feel Modi will be in a position to give a vibrant leadership to SAARC and formulate policies and programs so that SAARC will be a strong regional organisation in the area of economic development, trade, culture and contact in the countries of the region. I expect that there will be a positive development in relations among SAARC countries. Inviting Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for his swearing in ceremony spoke volumes of the man.

He accepted the invitation and participated in the event. I am sure India will improve bilateral relations with Pakistan. Usually, we see ups and downs in Indo-Pakistan relations. It is important that there is peace and understanding between these two big countries in the region. I hope bilateral relations between the two will be strengthened during this period.

Q: How do you explain the right of smaller nations not be bullied or interfered by external elements on alleged human rights violations or concocted internal turmoil?

A: It is a difficult scenario. Because the UNHRC has become more or less a political organisation dominated by the West. If you take the composition of the UNHRC, it is in favour of the West. Asia, Africa and the Caribbean countries don’t have much votes in the Council. Of late the UNHRC looks at everything from a political perspective. This has been expressed by Sri Lanka as well as many other member countries during the past four or five years. It is a sad scenario.

Q: LTTE terrorist leaders still freely operate in certain Western democracies to the detriment of Sri Lanka while such countries pontificate to us on human rights, rule of law, religious freedom and democratic voice. Could you explain?

A: This is the double standard adopted by many countries in the West. We reiterate this position. The September 11 scenario cannot be condoned at any cost. This is what happens when you allow terrorism to raise its ugly head.

It will not only affect third world countries, it will affect other countries as well. We can see that all over the world.

We must remind them that eradication of terrorism will not only benefit smaller countries but also big nations as well.

Q: Some powerful countries in the West refused visas to Premier Modi, when he was Chief Minister. Today, these same countries are ready to spread a red carpet to Prime Minister Modi. How did this change happen overnight specially with reference to the patriotic leaders of developing countries?

A: This shows how politics operates in the international arena. There is a Sinhala saying “ kanna owna unama cabaragoyath thalagoya kara gannawa”. I think this is the best explanation. This is a clear reflection of the duplicity and double standards adopted by bigger nations.

Q: The Government will not cooperate with the UNHRC appointed investigation panel. Will there be an implication to the country?

A: No. In any case, this is a biased investigation. We don’t want to give credibility to a biased investigation. Our Government’s position is clear and has been spelt out by External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris.

Q: Although the lack of economic opportunities for Northern youth has been touted as a challenge to the Government, it is a common problem even in other parts of the country. Your comments?

A: I think the Government has done a lot on behalf of the youth in the Northern and Eastern provinces. The Graduate Training Scheme is a good example. All graduates in the North and South have been recruited. There was no discrimination between the two. After the eradication of terrorism, our Government has invested a colossal amount of money in the North which is more than their due share if you take into consideration the money which was allocated to other parts of the country. The North has suffered 30 years of a terrorist war. Prabhakaran gave cyanide capsules to children and not the education they required. We want to recruit midwives, engineers and nurses, there are no qualified people in the North because educational institutes were closed and child soldiers were recruited by the LTTE. That situation is now over.

There were excellent results in the G.C.E. Ordinary Level and Advanced Level Examinations in the Northern Province last year. This is a tribute and a credit to our Government. This shows how the situation is improving. Even in other parts of the country, there are so many job opportunities available in the private sector. But the mentality is that they should get a pensionable white-collar job in the Government sector. This mindset must change. Because unaccountable jobs cannot be created in the Government sector. Private sector jobs are the next best option. countries which were developed within the region and outside were due job opportunities created by the private sector. We have to tell the youth that they should work in the private sector and it is the duty of the private sector to ensure that these youth are accommodated , paid and a conducive atmosphere should be created towards employability.

Q: Strikes, demonstrations, protest rallies and fast unto death campaigns cause inconvenience when roads are blocked in the city. What steps can be taken to minimise the threat to community life?

A: Under a democratic system, people, workers, NGOs and the rest have a right to express their dissent or disapproval. We can’t suppress that right. But those engaged in protests must ensure that they are abide by the law. Demonstrations must be peaceful as well as not obstructive to the people. For example, Mahatma Gandhi started a hunger strike and peace walks to draw the attention of the British imperialists in India. We must follow these examples without resorting to violence. Demands cannot be won by obstructing the day- to-day life of the people. Because then it becomes unpopular. As far as the Government is concerned, the Government cannot use force more than what is necessary. That is what the judiciary has interpreted. We have to walk on a thin line or on a tight rope. The Government is concerned about the day-to-day life of the people, while safeguarding the democratic rights of the people.

Q: What is the Government’s stand on the 12 point program presented by NFF Leader Minister Wimal Weerawansa?

A: We have not yet discussed that issue within Cabinet or the party.

Q: The Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on finding a solution to the problems faced by the Tamils is not functional at present. Since the UNP and the TNA don’t support the PSC, what is the alternative left with the Government?

A: There is no alternative left for us other than to go ahead and discuss any proposal that will be submitted to the committee by the NGOs and other relevant organisations. We were expecting some development and thought the TNA and other Opposition parties would take part in the discussions. We still hope that they will come or submit some memorandum containing their proposals. If we don’t get a positive response within the next few days, we will proceed with what we have.

Q: There is speculation that there will be a Common Presidential Candidate sponsored by the Opposition. Will it be a challenge to the Government?

A: Not at all. The best Common candidate is President Mahinda Rajapaksa who represents the Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities in this country. His policies are compatible with all these requirements. At present the Opposition is so divided and I don’t think they will be able to field a common candidate. Even if they find somebody and label him as a Common Candidate, we can defeat him without any problem.

Q: Unauthorised structures, blocking waste water and drains have helped floods to take its toll. Why can't the irrigation authorities bring in new legislation to prosecute offenders and prevent floods?

A: Legislation is already there. But there are problems with regard to implementation. There are unauthorized squatters. In many instances we can't find who is responsible for this. People throw rubbish and various other things into canals. Can we have a policeman at every doorstep to prevent such acts? The people must cooperate. When there is a flood, it dawns on the people that their own activities have contributed to this situation. When the floods subside, people forget and continue doing the same damage.

Q: Some people believe that local expertise could be tapped to resolve the Dengue problem. The Cuban method too does not appear to be effective. As former Health Minister could you explain this conundrum?

A: I think I should leave it to the present Health Minister. Because I don’t want to comment on a Ministry which is not under my purview.