UPFA will be in the limelight at PC election

By Indika PolkotuwaKandy Cor.

Dr. Jagath Wijenayake former Senior Lecturer in Accountancy and Management at the University of Sri Jayawardhanapura, and owner of many educational institutions and film and teledrama producer has make his entry into politics. He has debuted from the Central Provincial Council from the Kandy district on the UPFA ticket. He said the people realise the need for educated individuals in politics. He said the country should give priority to education. Following are excerpts of the interview.

Q: What made you to enter politics?

A: My entry into politics is not by chance. My family members have engaged in progressive politics in this country. Lal Wijenayake is a person who had engaged in genuine politics in this country. My name has been proposed to the National List of the People Alliance in 1994. During the past few years I was engaged in educational activities, the cinema and the teledrama industry while being engaged in social service. I also helped children from poor families to pursue their education. I was encouraged by religious dignitaries, professionals and scholars to enter politics. Though I did not have any intention earlier, I thought it is good to do some service for the country and my area by entering politics. Today the image of the politician is tarnished due to the unwarranted and unbecoming acts of politicians. People are fed up with politicians. I think there is a need to have educated and intellectual individuals in the political arena.

Q: Do you think people are ready to vote for educated individuals and intellectuals at the elections?

A: Within this electoral process not only members from the same political party but also members from the same family contesting the election have to face the race for preferential votes. Different types of people are contesting elections within this electoral system. The masses of this country are yearning for educated, intellectual and uncorrupt politicians as leaders. this is a call made from the bottom of their hearts. There is a good response from the people for such individuals. In our march to make Sri Lanka the ' Wonder of Asia' under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, we need more educated and intellectual people in politics. They can do a fantastic job in the development process. In any developed country, intellectuals have made a major contribution towards achieving such development. I am confident that at this Provincial Council election people will look to vote for people of that calibre because people think differently now and are taking correct decisions.

Q: What kind of vision do you have for your future political career?

A: Education is the priority in my agenda. We cannot think of a future for the country if we do not have proper education. There are thousands of graduates who were educated by me. I have number of plans for the improvement of education. We can inculcate good qualities among children, if we provide a good education. A good education will enable better job opportunities. This is a cycle once people have good job opportunities their families will benefit thus the living standard will rise and there will be overall improvement in the lives of the people.Another program on my mind is to promote the arts and culture that is unique to the upcountry. In addition I am interested in developing industries and agriculture that is unique to the Central Province.

Q: What kind of response you think the people will have for the UPFA at this election?

A: People will respond with the highest number of votes for the UPFA this time around because the country is channelled towards rapid development after the defeat of terrorism, for the first time after Independence. At this juncture we need the mandate of the people to defeat international forces who are trying backtrack the development drive. People will give the mandate to the government.

The development of this country in the post conflict scenario can set an example to any other country. The development drive in the country is palpable and the people can feel it... The towns as well as villages have been developed parallel to each other. There is huge enthusiasm among the people to join hands with the Government towards the drive. The UNP has faced its biggest setback in its history. People are not aware of the existence of the JVP. There is no opposition in this country. Therefore, I am sure that UPFA will secure more than two thirds of the seats on September 21.