'Compromise after national level dialogue'

Former Education Minister (UNP) and Kolonnawa UNP Organiser Dr. Karunasena Kodituwakku

SO: Dr.Karunasena Kodituwakku please?

Former Minister: Speaking.

SO: I am from the Sunday Observer and what's the latest?

Former Minister: Well... the latest is one from the old guard. Anyway, I am engaged in the Party Organising Committee. And, in addition to that work, I am busy as the party organiser for the Kolonnawa electorate.

SO: Dr. Kodituwakku, a conflict situation has arisen in the Grade One admissions. As a former Minister of Education how do you view the problem?

Former Minister: No one is happy with the system. A heavy competition has begun from the kindergarten till the child qualifies for admission to a university. The conflict situation which you mentioned has a long history and simply it has stressed the necessity for a national level dialogue on admissions to Grade One. But the problem is who will lead such a thing. The National Education Commission (NEC) was set up with the sole intention of meeting such kind of national level education requirements. But, instead of educationists, such places are headed by politicians or political appointees. How could we achieve the expected results?

SO: In such a situation, how can we overcome the crisis?

Former Minister: I do not want to blame anyone. But, the delay on the part of the government created the chaos. We must have a national level dialogue over the issues with the contribution of all stakeholders and come to a compromise. Time has come for such an effort. Further, there are several other problems in the education system too.

SO: What kind of problems do you mean?

Former Minister: See. Very simply over 75 per cent of A/Level qualified students are not given any opportunity. Only around 20,000 are admitted to universities. Another 2,000 or 3,000 go for vocational training or similar training. The balance are destitute and they are frustrated without a future for them. It has resulted in additional social problems. Governments have to think much on policies related to education. We have to take lessons from other countries. Indians are all over the world as professionals as they taught an international link language. Japanese and Korean miracles came on as they prioritised the human resources. Instead of blaming and criticising everything, time has come to study the outer world and make the country's education fit for the global labour market.

SO: Dr. Kodituwakku now let us move from education to politics. What are your comments on the APRC process?

Former Minister: Before we talk about the final outcome of the APRC, I think we had better talk about the present situation. First of all, the government must be clear on their stance over the issue. The Government, I mean all the allied parties should come to a consensus. But, what's happening today is not satisfactory.

SO: Do you see any sudden changes in politics in general?

Former Minister: Before saying yes or no, you have to consider the present scenario. Whether someone likes or dislikes, the government's balance is decided by the JVP. With around 38 seats, they are an indispensable force within the opposition and that is the most vital factor when it comes to a change in government.

SO: You mean the Mangala-Sripathi faction is not strong enough?

Former Minister: No. It is the JVP that becomes the deciding factor.

'Tactful captain in different games'

Colombo District Parliamentarian and former SLFP organiser for Kotte, Arjuna Ranatunge.

SO: May I talk to Mr. Arjuna Ranatunge please?

MP: Yes, I am on my way to the Parliament. Who is this?

SO: I am from the Sunday Observer. Mr. Ranatunge, what's latest?

MP: Well, the latest is that I have resigned from my post of Organiser for the Kotte electorate.

SO: Has your resignation from the post been accepted by the relevant authorities?

MP: I really do not know. Anyway, I have handed it over to the relevant authorities. Although they have failed to give me the reasons for most of the incidents that took place in the electorate, I have given my resignation letter with reasons.

SO: Do you say it is a sudden decision?

MP: No, not really. I was watching the developments throughout the past one and half years. I don't want to be blamed by the people in my electorate. I came to politics with clean hands and I want to leave the same way.

SO: But, you were one of the best captains in the cricket world. What we saw was a tactful move by a skipper in the game.

MP: Yes Deepal. I was tactful in this game too. I thought that is the most intelligent decision instead of going for mud slinging or other dirty games. How can I betray the trust the people reposed in me. I am responsible for them. If something happens against the people's wish, I don't want to be a partner in that sinful process.

SO: Are you satisfied being a politician?

MP: I was asked to join politics to do something of value for the country's sports. Anyway, so far nothing has taken place. The game which I played is being destroyed by some people. Instead of the sport, now money talks. Therefore, I would like to be a cricketer more than a politician.

SO: Will you remain as a politician?

MP: Well, people kept their trust twice on me sending me to the Parliament. Then, I have a duty and responsibility towards them. In other words, I do not have any personal agenda to remain in politics. Instead, I feel a day will dawn for me to do the right and correct thing for the country's sports. Therefore, I have to wait and see. As at now, I can't predict the future.

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