I want to end corrupt politics of Rajapaksas

by Ranil Wijayapala

“I extended my support to the United National Front (UNF) to eliminate the corrupt politics of Rajapaksas and his goons,” Leader of the Democratic Party, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka said in an interview with the Sunday Oberver.

Field Marshal Fonseka who signed a collective agreement with the United National Front led by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe last Wednesday said he decided to join hands with the UNF as he felt there was a possibility of Mahinda Rajapaksa trying to raise his head again.

“Offering me a seat or not in Parliament will be decided at the UNP Working Committee meeting tomorrow,” Field Marshal Fonseka said.

Excerpts:

Q: You signed an agreement to join hands with the UNF. Was it by invitation or a decision by your party? What are the reasons for this new move ?

A: The invitation came from the UNP as its leader maintained cordial relations with us. Though my party and the United National Party were moving parallel to each other our final objectives were quite similar. I had a different set of princles such as clean politicians should be elected to Parliament. We had one thing in common since 2010. We were against the Mahinda Rajapaksa regime from the outset, due to corruption and human right violations. We should unite and ensure the Rajapaksas and their goons do not raise their heads again.

Q: Do you mean your politics is always against Mahinda Rajapaksa’s politics?

A: I am not against Mahinda Rajapaksa but against his way of doing politics.

Q: Are you ready to support any political party that is against Mahinda Rajapaksa politics ?

A: Not any political party. The UNP is a powerful party with a strong vote base. If we are joining hands with a certain party we will place some hard challenges to it. Few weak parties uniting will not mean anything. There is an urgent need for strong parties to unite today.

Q: Wasn’t there an invitation from President Maithripala Sirisena to join them ?

A: President Maithripala Sirisena understands things well. The SLFPers for the last ten years were trained to think differently.

The local councils and Provincial Council members were influenced by Mahinda Rajapaksa to engage in corrupt politics. It is difficult for the President to secure the support of local politicians, as they prefer Mahinda Rajapaksa. If we support the the SLFP they will not give us a single vote. How can I join a party of this nature?

Q: Don’t you think you could have taken this decision before the General Election?

A: After I was released from prison I wanted to people to think differently. We told them they were responsible for electing corrupt politicians. If I had joined a major party at that time, I could not have taken this message across.

Q: Are there conditions laid down in the agreement between your party and the UNF?

A: We had straightforward conditions and principles. We agreed on certain principles such as good governance, anti-corruption, reconciliation, unity among communities.

Q: Are there conditions restricting you from contesting future Presidential Elections?

A: I will contest the next Parliamentary Elections. I don’t have plans to contest the Presidential Election.

That will be decided depending on the need at that time. I want to be an MP first. I am confident they will give me nominations to contest the Parliamentary Elections.

Q: The common understanding is that you joined the UNF to fill the vacant National List slot of the party. What are your comment?

A: We had discussions with the UNF for the last three months. We never expected something like this to happen. M.K.D.S. Gunawardena was a good politician.

Q: Does it mean that you can now become an MP?

A: It depends on the requirement of the UNF leadership. I will give my fullest support to the political front.

Q: Is there any discussion going on regarding this issue ?

A: The UNP and other parties of the UNF are discussing this matter. There are several other parties seeking the MP post. People will come to know who they are by tomorrow or the day after.

Q: There are speculation that you will be offered a ministerial post?

A: That is left to the President and the Prime Minister.

Q: Were there conditions from your side when you joined the UNF?

A: We did not place conditions in our agreement. The agreement will be in the public domain soon. Our discussions were centred on policies and future politics.

Q: Why couldn’t you secure a seat at the last Parliamentary elections?

A: At the January 8 Presidential Election we were together and when Mahinda Rajapaksa contested the election for the Prime Ministerial post it was a contest to secure the premiership. The people voted to ensure Rajapaksa will not become the Prime Minister. That is why our party did not secure a seat.

Q: Do you think you could uphold your party policies having joined the UNP ?

A: There are certain policies which are easy to practice becaause they are not extremist policies. Our policies are very simple. Human rights, democracy, good governanace, anti corruption are some of those policies they are common to both parties.

Q: Are there restrictions to enter Parliament as a Filed Marshal ?

A: I am not serving and not holding any military responsibilities. Field Marshals do not retire. They have no military responsibilities. Therefore Field Marshals who are five star generals are serving as politicians.

Q: Your decision to join the UNF come at a time the country is facing a UNHCR Resolution on Sri Lanka. As the former Army Commander, you also have a role to play in this connection. Do you think you will be able to play that role on behalf of the government ?

A: I will be responsible to protect the image and the reputation of the Sri Lanka Army. For that we have to clear the various allegations against the Army.

To clear the name we have to face the investigations. As the international community is also raising questions, we have to clear our names in the manner which is transparent and in a manner where there is credibility.

Therefore , I am ready on behalf of the Army to answer anybody in any court or inquiry, there is no question about it.