Foreign relations grew stronger under President's leadership - Sajin deVass Gunawardena, MP

By Uditha Kumarasunghe

Still in the prime of life, Galle District UPFA parliamentarian and External Affairs Ministry Monitoring MP Sajin de Vass Gunawardena plunged into the cauldron of politics at a critical phase in the country's history. However, within a relatively limited space of time, he learned the fine art of politics. MP Gunawardena in an interview with the Sunday Observer said, “we follow a non-aligned foreign policy where we have equally good relations with every nation. What is important in the formulation of our foreign policy are the benefits we could reap for Sri Lanka. We respect the sovereign rights of every nation and their territorial integrity. Our foreign relations are basically founded on this principle and it is reciprocal. The benefit of such alliances certainly accrue to the people. We cannot be dictated to. We know what is right and wrong. Our policies are approved by our people. We are governed by the aspirations of Sri Lankans.

He said we have a rich and illustrious history spanning over 2,600 years which can be proved with evidence. I do not think countries with a short history of a couple of hundred years can afford to teach Sri Lanka the principles we have to adhere to. We eradicated terrorism. People belonging to all ethnicities were brutally butchered. Perhaps these countries have to now go back to their drawing boards, but for the polity of Sri Lanka there is lasting peace. No one can change this.

Excerpts of the interview:

Q: Canada takes the lead to include Sri Lanka in the agenda of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group to probe whether Sri Lanka is conducting its internal affairs according to Commonwealth values. What will be our stand?

A: Canada has initiated action based on the premise that there is no independence of the Judiciary in Sri Lanka. Every one knows that it is the contrary. Further, there is what is called the "Latimer House Principles" which clearly outline the framework within which such action can be taken. Sri Lanka is well within such principles. The Impeachment of the Former Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake was totally in keeping with the procedure laid down. It was legal as was practised in the past with adequate precedents. Our stand is therefore, very simple, we have not violated any fundamental principles that we uphold ourselves and will not accept the position of Canada. We must also understand that the Canadian government is more interested in the 270,000 strong Diaspora vote in their upcoming election than the "Latimer House Principles".

Q: Sri Lanka is to be taken to "task" because Western countries believe that we have drifted away from the sphere of influence and follow an independent foreign policy. Your comments?

A: The Western powers have their own plans for this part of the world. Geo-politics plays a crucial role in these matters. Sri Lanka is a strong country, her people have emerged very strong, a growing economy, an independent voice and moreover we have eradicated the scourge of terrorism completely from our land. It is an open secret that certain powerful countries supported the LTTE in various ways to achieve their objectives. I would say it was a "Cold War" of some sort.

One must also understand that the LTTE was an excellent tool to destabilise India. We follow a non-aligned policy where we have equally good relations with every nation. When we decide on our policy what is important for us would be the benefits for Sri Lanka. We respect the sovereign right of every nation and her territorial integrity. Our relations are basically founded on this principle and it is reciprocal. The benefits of such alliances must be reaped by the people of Sri Lanka. We cannot be dictated to. We know what is right and wrong. Our policies are approved by none other than the people of Sri Lanka. We are governed by the aspirations of the people of Sri Lanka. We do not have double standards where the left hand does the opposite of what the right hand does, for example, the recent expose that was made on the CIA using Sri Lankan Authorities to take away a person. They have gone to the extent of drugging him and even producing an American passport in just a couple of hours. These are double standards.

One must practise what one preaches. Consider the daily drone killings. The list is endless. What is simply necessary is an equal playing field which does not exist. We gained our independence in 1948. We have a rich history spanning over 2,600 years, which can be proved with evidence. I do not think countries with a short history of a couple of hundred years can afford to teach Sri Lanka on the principles that have to be adhered to by us. We eradicated terrorism. It was our people belonging to all ethnicities who were brutally butchered.

Q: The British Commonwealth is not what it was decades ago as it is now preoccupied with Europe-centered matters. Has its clout on Asia and Africa become minimal?

A: My personal belief is that today the Commonwealth is trying to take the shape of an alternative UN type entity that would hold a "whip" trying to keep all the Commonwealth countries under the grip of the Europe centric countries. The Commonwealth Ministers' Action Group (CMAG) is a good example of how they intend in achieving same. The irony of the matter is that they start with the premise that democracy does not exist in our part of the world. One should be reminded that it was our country that was subjected to "Invasion" by the self same countries which are trying to crack the whip today. They must be reminded that the "whip" will not work anymore as we are also an independent sovereign nation today enjoying much more economic, political and social freedom than most of them. It is time for those nations to wake up and recognise other countries on an equal footing and not as the conquerer and the conquered since the conquered is surpassing the conquerer in every sphere. Perhaps this might be the issue.

Q: The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navaneethem Pillay's report to UN on promoting reconciliation and accountability on Sri Lanka is to be released at the Geneva Human Rights sessions. Are we ready to meet any allegations against us?

A: We always responded to the allegations against us. One must understand that today Human Rights have become a tool for certain foreign administrations to de-stabilise countries. The UNHCR Commissioner has been finding all excuses not to visit Sri Lanka. These are all well planned and stage-managed. Had she visited Sri Lanka as per the invitation accepted by her prior to the current sessions she would have seen the factual position at ground level. This is exactly what she wanted to avoid. We have been very transparent from day one. We have demonstrated our commitment to implement the LLRC report. We are most certainly ready to answer any allegations at any given time.

Q: Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa said recently at a seminar at the Lakshman Kadiragamar Institute that far from listening to misrepresentations and lobbying by interested groups, the Western world should see for themselves the massive development launched by the Government despite significant constraints. Is this not the way for the Western world to reach out to Sri Lanka?

A: Absolutely, this is what I said elsewhere in this interview. What I suggested to the UNHCR Commissioner was also the same. Recently I was at the District Development Committee meeting in Jaffna chaired by President Mahinda Rajapaksa. I was actually amazed at the amount of funds expanded and the development launched by the government. The irony of the matter is that not a single TNA MP spoke about this. We have developed the North rapidly. The people of the North did not enjoy the fruits of development for thirty years, no livelihood and no life. This is a new beginning for them a new lease of life and new opportunities. What some countries yearn for is not development but the separation of Sri Lanka. However much we develop the country it will not be acknowledged. This is the reality we have to understand and work accordingly.

Q: The US sanctions against Iran have a serious impact on Sri Lanka both on its exports and imports. Loss on oil imports alone is around Rs.2 billion. The chances of differed payments are also lost. Have we taken any measures to cushion off these losses?

A: The US administration has made some exemptions for Sri Lanka to import I think 10 or 12 shipments. However, the restrictions on the letters of credit and the insurance still remain. Therefore, there is absolutely no way that we can import oil. Now these are the double standards that have to be spoken of. They issue statements saying that they have relaxed and exempted Sri Lanka yet they do not do so. Therefore, the decision to exempt does not mean anything at all. It is not even worth the paper it is written on. However, we are managing with other purchase arrangements.

There is no doubt that this is a strain on our finances and the overall foreign exchange situation in the country since Iran gave us almost one year credit terms for all oil purchases. These restrictions will stifle countries economically. We need to educate people on the present predicament and the general effects of this decision by the United States and its impact on our economy and the energy cost today.

The solution to this lies with the people themselves to accept the proper cost of energy and to come to terms with reality. There is absolutely no alternative in the short term. Economic sense must prevail when decisions of this nature are taken. Opposition politicians must recognise this fact. They must support the country to make representation to the US administration that their decisions affect the people of Sri Lanka.

Q: Balance of payment difficulties, increasing foreign debt, fiscal and trade imbalance are major constraints on development. What is our stand on these matters?

A: The economy is growing at an average of 6 percent to 7.5 percent per annum. Last year we had 8 percent growth. This is an expansion of the economy. I agree that due to the devaluation of the Sri Lankan Rupee (SLR) we have had some setbacks. However, this had to be done in keeping with the regional situation. We could not have been isolated. We always believed in one aspect as enshrined in the Mahinda Chintana. Infrastructure development was primarily important as a spin-off for rapid economic development. During the 30 years of fighting the LTTE there was a very minimal focus on development.

However, under the leadership of President Rajapaksa even during the war, we embarked on a massive development drive to upgrade the infrastructure network spanning the entire nation. Today this has contributed largely to the development of the economy.

The production base of the economy has improved. Tourism as an industry is progressing rapidly. The Foreign Direct Investment is on the increase while unemployment figures have come down. The Northern and Eastern economies are today booming and contributing substantially to the national economy. All these positive factors will generate benefits in the medium term approach of the Government.

There is a global financial crisis today. Sri Lanka cannot be isolated from this sphere. However, we have withstood the fall-out since we have focused on building a strong rural-based economy coupled with industrialisation. The foreign debt factor is a concern no doubt. However, one has to venture out to develop and then reap the benefits of such development. That is exactly what we see today. The Government has developed the infrastructure and its benefits are reaped by the people. In the long term production increases and the GDP will increase. As I said earlier one major setback is today's energy cost. We need to find a rapid solution to this issue. If we could focus on this and arrive at an economically viable solution most of the questions that you have asked here would not arise.

Q: No other Government since independence has ever pumped billions of dollars to the North and the East to ensure rapid development, higher standard of living and equality, justice and fair play for all communities as the UPFA did under President Rajapaksa. How would you explain this as witnessed by you during your recent visit to Jaffna with the President?

A: The development that has been launched is phenomenal. If we had one-tenth of the funds allocated to Jaffna, we would have solved all our issues in the Galle district. Nevertheless, we had the need to develop the North and we did so. This needs to be recognised and the Government commended. The Government also must concentrate on developing our areas and the rest of the country as well in the same pace.

The North today has a developed infrastructure. For roads alone, an amount of Rs. 5.6 Billion has been spent last year. Electricity is at 97 percent. What more do you need? With shelter and other livelihood programs being implemented I would say that the development drive for the North should be completed. However the objective of the TNA is separation. This will never happen. Already we see that the people realise what the TNA is doing. With development comes economic freedom which in turn produces economic independency. This is now felt by the people in the North after thirty long years. It is only a matter of time before new political parties and personalities will emerge. It has to be not ethnic centric but development-oriented for the larger benefit of Sri Lanka and its polity.

Q: The Opposition has formed a broad political front as a challenge to the Government. Does it have any impact on the Government?

A: The Opposition should be a challenge to any Government. When you look at the new political front that they have created one cannot help but laugh. They have Azath Salley on the one side and Dr. Wickramabahu Karunaratne on the other. Need I say more?

Q: Compared to India, Sri Lankan women are better looked after with equality of opportunity provided. Some people say that their status needs to be upgraded especially in political representation. Do you have anything to add to this?

A: Most certainly today gender equality is a very important subject and our Government has been giving prominence to it right along. With regard to political representation I also think that we need more participation. Even during the last elections, we were trying to motivate more women to participate but the response was not what we expected. This is an area that we need to work on. Given the time I am sure it will improve.

Q: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navaneethem Pillay wants a credible investigation on the shooting of Sunday Leader journalist Faraz Shauketaly. This is an isolated incident and an independent investigation is under way. How is it that this individual incident has begun to have its international ramification?

A: Today anything and everything that happens is picked up by the international community, at least some of them. I saw this week on BBC news, Charles Haveland stating that churches are being destroyed in Sri Lanka. Is this correct? What absolute blatant lies are these? The Sunday Leader journalist Faraz Shauketaly had given a detailed statement. In fact, I visited him at the hospital. The investigation is going on.

Q: From the business world to the hustle and bustle of politics is no easy task. Would you like to recount your own experience in this regard?

A: Politics in Sri Lanka in today's context have developed rapidly. The challenges that we face are far greater than what was 18 years ago when I first started associating myself with politics. There is so much potential and our Government under the leadership of President Rajapaksa will be strong enough to face these challenges and develop Sri Lanka into the Wonder of Asia. The strength of our country is our people. It is the people who have chosen us and it is our duty to serve them. I have learned a great deal from the President. I have seen over the last 18 years how three Presidents worked, what they felt and their approach in solving issues. Even under tremendous pressure domestically and or internationally he will not compromise the country's interest.

This is the right way forward. I would not say that we are a 100 percent perfect Government. We may have our faults but these have to be rectified. What we need is commitment. We need to see and do politics to suit the future and not the past. I am proud to be a part of this tradition that President Rajapaksa has created.