Hi! what's up?

Lack of communication creates Deduru Oya issues

SO: Good morning. Is that Minister Chamal Rajapaksa?

Minister: Yes, speaking

SO: Minister, what is the latest news?

Minister: Well, the latest is everything has been finalised to resume night operations at the BIA. I can assure you that BIA will function as usual from July 1.

SO: What do you think about the country's present political situation?

Minister: What I believe in, is we all should work together forgetting petty political differences. But, whether this is the only thing, we can't say. The Government does everything on its part. But, I think all the politicians should stop working solely for power but think about the country's future.

SO: You had to face an unexpected incident while on an inspection tour of Deduru Oya project. What happened there?

Minister: There was no serious problem. But a delay by the relevant officers of the project, was the reason for that misunderstanding. All those who are asked to evacuate from the project site will be compensated and that is the responsibility of the Government. The victims had not been educated on this. Now, the misunderstanding is cleared.

SO: Why, is the Government not taking efforts to inform the people about development programs taking place?

Minister; No, we do. But still there is a communication gap which should be filled by the Government as well the media. There should be more opportunities to send information to the villages.

SO: Is the Mangala-Sripathi faction, a threat to the government?

Minister: A threat? I don't like that word. But, it is bad to be in different camps and attacking each other by the very people who were once in the same camp.

SO: What do you think about the duo's political future?

Minister: According to history, almost all such kind of factions have failed.

SO: Any possibility of former President Chandrika's arrival to enter into active politics?

Minister: I do not think so.

SO: Is it true that ex-Minister S. B. Dissanayake is going to join the Government?

Minister: Oh, I don't know.

UNP to deal with "M" faction

SO: Mr. Senanayake please

RS: Yes, who's speaking there?

SO: The Sunday Observer What is the latest Mr. Senanayake?

RS: Latest? What do you want to know? If you give me the topic I'll elaborate on it.

SO: Well what are the main political activities you had engaged in these days?

RS: Many. As the Chairman of the United National Party a lot of things to attend to.

SO: How do you assess the country's present political situation?

RS: It is very clear. Very bad situation is prevailing. I cannot see any thing "good" would take place. The situation should be changed immediately and in that process all politicians should work together for one good purpose.

SO: Do you expect any kind of assistance from the Mangala- Sripathi faction for a regime change?

RS: Why not? They have openly expressed that their fight is to defeat the government. They will definitely work with us to defeat the government. It is a giant process and our leader Ranil Wickremesinghe bears the burden on his shoulders.

SO: Do you think that JVP will help you in such a process?

RS: I don't know. We have not spoken to them.

SO: But Mr. Senanayake, Minister Hemakumara Nayakkara who had recently joined the government has said that another batch of 11 MPs would be joining the government. What have you got to say.?

RS: He is dreaming and he is allowed to dream. But I see it only as an utterance by the MP for mere publicity.

SO: If the government is not on the right track, why don't you assist them to fall onto the right track?

RS: Just think. Their proceedings cannot be corrected. So many dangerous activities are taking place. Corruption, intimidation, abductions and a lot more are happening. Therefore, we cannot assist them. Instead we only say "Go home" and "We'll do it".

SO: Anything else, you have to say?

RS: No, if you raise the issue. I'll answer as we are studying all the happenings of the country.

JVP hails operations in East

SO: Mr. Anura Dissanayake please!

MP: Speaking, who is speaking there?

SO: From the Sunday Observer. How are you keeping these days Mr. Dissanayake? MP: Nothing wrong. We are engaged in our usual political and social activities.

SO: What kind of political activities are you engaged in?

MP: Well, country is facing many problems. We see that neither the present government nor Ranil Wickremesinghe could find solutions to these problems. Now, for the time being what we need is not substitutes but an alternative force. Therefore, we work to achieve that target.

SO: Do you have any problems working with Mangala-Sripathi faction?

MP: The answer is 'Yes and No'. But, most suitable answer is 'No'. If Mangala and Sripathi try to achieve their target with Ranil Wickremesinghe it is only a pipe dream. We have clearly expressed that we will never go for alliances or alternatives led by the Opposition Leader. Otherwise, we don't have any problem working with the duo.

SO: How do you assess the country's security situation?

MP: Well, now the forces are fighting against the terrorists in the Eastern province. I think they are doing well and it should be continued without allowing the LTTE to strengthen their power again in the area.

SO: What do you think about any effort to discuss with the LTTE?

MP: Who is asking for discussions with the LTTE at this moment? The forces or the public? I do not think so. Anyway, I want to stress that nobody should try and use the Forces' victories in the East to gain petty political milleage.

SO: Will the Opposition Leader be capable enough to go for a government change at this hour?

MP: I do not think so. I mean I do not know.

SO: Does it mean, still you are with the government?

MP: The JVP is with the people and always stand for public interest and not for individual's political needs.