Let’s get together to solve key issues - D. M. Jayaratne

People’s Alliance General Secretary, D. M. Jayaratne was interviewed by Sunday Observer staffer Anura Maitipe, last week regarding the decision made by the Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC) and Kandurata Janata Peramuna to join the Government.

Q: Did the two parties agree to work for Mahinda Chintanaya?

A: Yes, they have already agreed to work for the Mahinda Chintanaya and on that basis, they joined the government. It was the government’s manifesto that was endorsed by the people at the previous Presidential election and all parties within the government have agreed to support to implement its policies.

Q: Would the JVP join the government?

A: Yes, there is a possibility for the JVP to re-join the government. The JVP has urged the government to clarify its position regarding two main issues, Norwegian peace agreement and demerging of the North and East. There is a Court case for a demerger of the North and East, and this issue will be settled by the Supreme Court. Regarding Norwegian brokering the peace agreement, both the government and the JVP are of the view that the existing peace agreement needs amendments to make it more impartial. Since we have no such difference in our policies, I hope the JVP would join the government soon.

Q: What about the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress?

A: Within the next few days, the SLMC would also join the government and they too have agreed to work for the Mahinda Chintanaya. They have urged the government to provide them an opportunity to have their own representative in the peace process. So we have no objection. All communities should have equal opportunity to share their views in a bid to solve key issues of the country.

Q: Would the government have a two-third majority in parliament even with the support of all these parties excluding the UNP and TNA?

A: No, the government still needs seven more members to have a two-third majority.

Q: Is it possible to win over seven more members?

A: It is not impossible as certain opposition members may vote for constitutional reforms, because they have understood the folly of the existing constitution.

Q: Will the government move for electoral reforms?

A: Yes, all parties in parliament have agreed on electoral reforms. The committee appointed by all parties in the house have finalised the draft proposals and it will be placed before parliament within the next few months. With the implementation of the new electoral system, the preferential voting system will be abolished, and candidates will be selected on electoral and district level.

Q: Will the UNP agree to form a National Government?

A: The government has extended an open invitation to the UNP and asked them to extend their support to form a National Government for a limited period of time to solve the national issue of the country. At this crucial moment mere verbal support is not sufficient. If they are really concerned about the future of this country, they must come forward in a constructive manner. Once the key issues are solved, we will be back in our own camps and fight elections.