President Rajapaksa understands the pulse of the minorities -Governor Alavi Moulana

By Naalir Jamaldeen

President Mahinda Rajapaksa will record a landslide victory in the forthcoming presidential election. He liberated the country from the clutches of the LTTE and is moving towards achieving the goal of becoming the wonder of Asia, Western Province Governor Seyed Ahmed Seyed Alavi Moulana said in an interview with the Sunday Observer.

He said that President Mahinda Rajapaksa is the only leader who raised a voice for Muslim nations when they were faced with external problems. He has no ethnic mentality.

President Rajapaksa is a leader who implements what he says.

Opposition supporters should think and refrain from shouting slogans and carrying out protest campaigns against the Government, Moulana said.

After the country was liberated from the clutches of the LTTE, President Rajapaksa made a statement that there were two factions - patriots and non-patriots.

The people should not think that they belong to a certain ethnic or racial group. We are Sri Lankans and should love mother Sri Lanka.

Q: Can you tell us about the political situation in Sri Lanka?

A: Under the administration of President Mahinda Rajapaksa the people in the country live in peace and harmony. He has left no room for discrimination. All should work to assure his victory in the coming election. Whatever the criticisms are made he will not take them seriously.

There is no communal disharmony in this country under President Rajapaksa's governance.

Q: Can you tell us about the victory of President Mahinda Rajapaksa?

There is no alternative nd no opposition to President Rajapaksa. His victory is crystal clear. Demolishing all barriers he will come to power. He knows the pulse of the people, he knows the needs of the people and will govern the country as he did in his pasttwo terms.

Q: Are you satisfied with the development work going in the Western Province and across the country?

A: Of course, a large number of infrastructure and livelihood development projects have been implemented in the country.

The inflow of foreign investments have also increased within the past few years. Major projects such as the Moragahakanda and Uma Oya Multi Purpose development projects have been implemented by the Government under the supervision and administration of President Rajapaksa.

Q: Will the coming election be a challenge to President Rajapaksa?

A: The forthcoming election would not be a challenge to President Rajapaksa. There will be no challenge and there is no alternative at the present moment.

Q: What do you think about crossovers between the Government and the Opposition?

A: Crossovers are nothing new to any country. Some cross over for personal gain while others do so to meet a political agenda.

Q: Can you talk about President Rajapaksa's relations with Muslim countries?

A: Of course, The President has won over the confidence of the Muslim Countries because he has treated the minorities in this country fairly. Hence Muslim countries also has observed that he is not a communal politician.

Q: What about the ongoing development in the country under the administration of President Mahinda Rajapaksa?

A:I think the ongoing developments in the country is progressing well. After the crucial war on terrorism for 30 years it is emerging now as a developing country.

The country has achieved tremendous development in a short period of less than five years. The North and East of this country has also been given due recognition while implementing infrastructure and livelihood development programs.

A:are minority rights protected and privileges of the minorities protected under President Mahinda Rajapaksa?

Of course President Rajapaksa has safeguarded the rights of minorities irrespective of petty, partisan, politics. He will continue his services towards the minority even during his third tenure.

Q: Is it the executive presidency or prime ministerial system that would protect the rights of minority communities?

A: the prime ministerial system is the better of the two as far as protection and safeguarding of minority rights is concerned. As long as a level headed politician is our President an Executive President is okay.

We should not lose our President. All should work for the victory of President Rajapaksa.

The shortcomings of the past should not be committed again. It's high time everyone thought favourably. If not, it will be a lose for ever.

Politicians who come to power should consider the needs of the underprivileged.

No room should be left for those who try to sow racism in the minds of the people.

The people in the country rallied round President Rajapaksa to assure his victory.

The President has given employment to a large number of graduates in state offices. They have a responsibility to pay gratitude to President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Q: What is your policy in politics?

A: I never point my finger at others. I do my duty according to my conscience. I hope nothing in return for the services I render. In my political life I never hesitate to tell the truth. Being a trade unionist I know the pulse of the poor. I could get close to the people. There was no room for step motherly treatment in my political career. All are equal and I treat them without any discrimination.

It is my bounden duty to strengthen the hands of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to win the privileges of minority communities.

He is the only leader who has the capability to understand the problems of the people who live at grassroot level.

The Muslims should live in harmony with the majority Sinhalese. Some elements are trying to destroy the long lasting relations between the and Sinhalese which begun since the advent of Arabian sailors to Sri Lanka.