Give us a chance...
to form a government and make the people happy, says
JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayaka:
by Ranil Wijayapala
Despite facing
a 'political tsunami' in 2010, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) is
now moving forward as a strong political force, and is hopeful of
winning a significant number of seats in the next Parliament. Here, JVP
Leader, Anura Kumara Dissanayaka talks about the party's election
campaign, the manifesto, political bribes, party aspirations and
Rajapaksa's prospects.
Excerpts:
Q: The campaigning for the 2015
General Election is now entering the final stages. As the leader of the
JVP how do you view this election campaign?
A: Compared to the
previous elections, people have been given the space to make their
decisions freely and independently at this election. But there are
instances where some government ministers are giving jobs and having
other agreements to get votes. They are actually election bribes.
However, we have through our campaign, created an enthusiasm among the
public to vote for the JVP. Therefore, we view this as a successful
election campaign where we have been able to take our message to the
people effectively.
Q: As a single political party the
JVP made an improved representation in Parliament in the 2001 elections
and further improved that position in 2004 after contesting under the
UPFA banner. But the party vote base eroded at the 2010 General
Election. Do you think that your party can build a strong vote base this
time?
A: In 2010, not only the
JVP, all other political parties in the opposition faced a political
tsunami. But the most important thing is the resilience of a political
party. As the JVP, we have hope that we can build a strong vote base at
this election.
Q: Do you think people can be
confident of a political party which cannot form a government?
A: There is a tendency for
the voters to support a political party which can form a government.
That is the challenge before us. We want to convince the people and
create an opinion among the common masses that the JVP is a party which
has the capacity to form a government.
Q: What will be the role of the JVP
if it cannot form a government after the election?
A: The new government will
be formed by the two main parties. Therefore, the need of the hour is to
have a strong opposition. The JVP is ready to take that responsibility
and we invite the people to vote for the JVP to create a strong
opposition.
Q: As you said the two main parties
are going to form a government after the election. But Mahinda Rajapaksa
is also contesting with the UPFA. So will there be any chance for the
UNP to form a government with him?
A: Mahinda Rajapaksa will
be able to secure a seat in Parliament. Then he will be an ordinary MP
and Maithripala Sirisena will be the President and also the Chairman of
the SLFP.
Q: People are also of the view that
one single party will not be able to form a government. If a political
uncertainty is created in the country, will the JVP join with any of the
major parties to form a government?
A: If one single party
cannot form a government, they will buy the MPs from the other parties.
The game of political bribes and cheap tactics will be revealed if a
single party cannot form a government.
Q: If the UPFA led by Mahinda
Rajapaksa succeeds in forming a government, what is the stance the JVP
is going to take?
A: We are hundred per cent
sure that there is no chance for him to come to power again.
Q: On what basis you are saying so?
A: The SLFP for the past
few years conducted their election campaign using government resources.
For the first time, after 20 years the SLFP is doing its own election
campaign. That is also a bankrupt election campaign. Therefore there is
no room for Rajapaksa to come to power again.
Q: People are concerned about the
fight against frauds, corruption becoming mere political slogans.
A: A considerable number
of inquiries are going on. That is why the UPFA has included the
abolition of the Financial Crime Investigation Division in their
manifesto as one promise.
Q: But there is criticism about
conducting these investigations with political motives?
A: If those investigations
are expedited targeting some people politically that is unacceptable.
There should be a methodical way to investigate these incidents in a
fair manner and bring the culprits to book through the proper way.
Q:
There are questions about the practicality about the election manifesto
presented by the JVP as 'Accord of Conscientiousness'.
A: This is the only
programme that can stabilize this country and also to keep the people of
this country happy. The programs presented by other political parties
are not manifestos. They are only political promises. They made those
promises in 1970, 1977, 1994, and 2004 and also in 2010. Therefore, the
country is fed up with these political promises.
Q: How are you are going to implement this programme?
A: We appeal to the people to give us one chance by giving us power
to form a government to implement this programme. |