National parties should have inclusive approach to reconciliation - Deputy Minister Faizer Mustapha

By Naalir Jamaldeen

"Problems may arise in the country, taking them to the international arena won't find the solution. The answer can be found only through discussions between ourselves". Deputy Investment Promotion Minister Faizer Mustapha said in an interview with the Sunday Observer.

Deputy Investment Promotion Minister Faizer Mustapha

Q: What is your opinion about the Geneva resolution on Sri Lanka?

A: The Geneva resolution is to be tabled against Sri Lanka with a sinister purpose. I was in Europe. British Prime Minister David Cameron who visited Sri Lanka to participate in the CHOGM issued a statement in British style. He is trying to do domestic politics internationally. The US should realise that after the elimination of nearly 30 years of terrorism, we are trying to move forward. After the eradication of terrorism it will take time for reconciliation.

The time is ripe to rebuild mutual relations between the Sinhalese, Tamils and the Muslims. We have overcome a miserable era. The International community is yet to give us the opportunity for dialogue to bring us together.

What I ask the international community will a resolution that will bring reconciliation or bridge the gap between the communities. The LTTE diaspora is trying to get advantage of the resolution. When I was in London , I met the Muslim Diaspora, and I also met the Ambassadors of Arab countries in the UK. They expressed their fullest support to Sri Lanka. The LTTE Diaspora is shedding crocodile tears to bring the Muslim community also into their fold.

I told the European Union and the Muslim Ambassadors whom I met that many muslims were ethnically cleansed by the LTTE.

In the Katthankudy mosque massacre innocent Muslims were mercilessly assassinated by the LTTE. In my view this resolution is detrimental to the reconciliation.

Q: As a politician and senior lawyer what is your recommendations to solve the ethnic issue?

A: Now see, politics is based on race or religion or community. This situation should change. Politics should be done on a broader spectrum. Political parties should not be allowed to build on ethnicity. National parties should have a more inclusive approach towards minorities.There are so many other national parties including the SLFP. All these national parties should have a common, inclusive national approach. This is the best way for reconciliation.

When a party is formed on the basis or race or religion. Its sketch will be very small and will target a small group belonging to that religion or race. A big manifesto can not be drafted. Each and every activity of the party will come within a small dimension. I won in the Kandy district with the support from all communities.

I believed that I had the vision needed for the country. Due to this course people selected me as their representative.

Q: Can you explain the link between political stability and economic growth?

A: Both concepts have a strong link. When there is political stability developing the country will be an easy task. We have a long- term vision in winning the hearts and minds of the majority of people in the North and the East. Minorities have moved away from national parties.

We have to penetrate further in those areas to win the hearts and minds of the people. Gradually the people are leaning towards the national parties. We have developed infrastructure facilities in the North and the East while empowering the people.

Once you give them the resources for economic upliftment, yo won't get the benefit in the overnight. It will take some time.

I also see the younger generation relating to us more than the older generation because young minds are open. Old people are hesitant towards change. UPFA Hambantota district Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa is doing his job well to empower the younger generation across the country including the North and the East.

Q: You visited several countries in the recent past. What is their view about Sri Lanka?

A: The countries which I visited in the recent past have recognised us as a country which respects democracy. We have a stable Government. Economic, political and social stability prevails. That is the key indicator for investors to invest in Sri Lanka.

If there is an issue we must solve it. I am not saying that there are no issues. There may be issues in any country or Government or community. We should try to resolve these issues ourselves.