I want to come back - Perumal

by Dilrukshi Handunnetti

The controversial former Chief Minister of the United Northeastern Provincial Council, Varatharaja Perumal believes that Sri Lanka needs a Devolution Commission to look into the various aspects of power sharing and ensure the full implementation of the 13 Amendment to the Constitution in spirit and letter.

Perumal who is visiting Sri Lanka at present, said such a body should be autonomous and should work towards achieving consensus between the Centre and the PCs.

Excerpts of the interview:

Q: What brings you to Sri Lanka at this point of time?

A: It is an interesting moment in the island's history in many ways. I am here to experience firsthand, the effect of the recent changes in the island's political environment and the shift in political power.

I thought I would visit Sri Lanka than observe from far, the progress that is already made and the changes currently taking place.

It is a politically interesting moment. That's my main purpose in being here. My other reason is to visit friends and family here.

Personal and curiosity reality of changes here.In June, I will return, to interact more with parties subscribing to different ideologies.

Q: Where did you visit Sri Lanka last?

A: After the war's end, I visited Sri Lanka in 2010, 2011 and 2012. I was disappointed at that time, by what I witnessed.

Although the LTTE had been defeated, a monolithic of the LTTE was still in control. Similarly, the State also was acting in a way that people were living in fear.After five years, I feel people have finally come forward to express different opinions and engage in different discussions on various subjects.

The once missing enthusiasm has returned on the multiple perceptions on devolution as well as development. That has made me confident that the future may be a positive one.

Q: What is your take on the development activities taking place in the North?

A: There is no denying that Infrastructure has been developed during President Mahinda Rajapaksa's period. But now, the development should reach the the people in a tangible manner. The benefits must flow to the unemployed youth of the island's North.There are some 60,000 widows there but nothing substantial has been done so far. At the ground level, development is pending. These are the issues to be addressed.

Q: You mentioned youth unemployment. It has remained a serious concern. Research studies have been done about the sense of hopelessness that was driving northern youth away, while those without means ended up risking their lives on boats to seek asylum elsewhere. What compelling reasons would have been there to take such risks and leave one's country of origin?

A: I have had a lot of interactions with academics etc; who were looking into various factors that made the North still a cauldron of issues. There had been so much disruption in addition to the destruction.

I strongly feel that there should be a data base of the North as well as the East. Research should be done to aid future policies strategies, particularly on the economic front, with a vision of sustainable development.

It is not about relief packages. Now it has to be about long terms plans. So far, no substantial initiatives have been introduced.

Q: What key needs in your view remains to be addressed in the North?

A: The type of initiatives required to rebuild the North cannot undertaken by NGOs or development groups. They all can play a very serious role and so can various faculties of learning. But this is primarily the task of the Government and it needs to work hard to create the changes the society now expects. But I sadly don't see that interaction, the inter-connections being made and the combination of all these forces coming together to create an integrated approach.

Q: What was happening at ground level?

A: I saw a lot of mistrust and breakdown in confidence. The administrations, both central and provincial, are not talking to each other the way they should. The same issue was there between provincial administrators and the local people. Everyone is working in silos and not interacting for the greater good.

There is a breakdown in everything. This unfortunate situation prevents the reconstitution of the country. Such efforts should come from the heart. But how can that happen when there is no mutual confidence. The first step is trust-building. Building infrastructure does mean anything compared to building trust among the people.

Q: A key issue that affects the Northern people is land ownership. Do you think enough has been done for the restitution of this right?

A: The land issue has to be understood well but it is an issue that has confused many. There are privately-owned lands and laws related to that should apply now. The Provincial Councils can make those decisions and administer over the lands.

The second category is the State-owned land that is under the central government which are controlled by the various ministries and departments. The third category is the land under provincial administration which are State-owned but are largely not used.

The contentious category is the remaining State lands. As far as I can see, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution is clear, although people feel that there are serious ambiguities, specially relating to lands.

The missing point is the true understanding of the Constitution, the provisions of the 13th Amendment and the absence of consensus between the centre and the provinces. This is why land ownership has become contentious. It is about total misinterpretation and lack of misunderstanding.

Q: There is a proposed 19th Amendment to the Constitution and new constitutional reforms are being urged, before the next election. The snag is the issue of delimitation. What are your thoughts?

A: I think, ideally there should be a Devolution Commission proposed at the outset. It should be an autonomous body and that has to work for the Center and PCs to enable consensus and compromise. It should be a quasi tribunal offering common interpretation. Its decision need not be final (and the final version can come from the supreme court). But it would be correct way to move.

That will make PCs effective and efficient. I suggested this when I met those involved in fresh efforts at constitution making here.

Q: The main opposition has been clamouring that electoral reforms should be linked to the passing of the 19th Amendment. Do you think the PR system must go and make way for the First past the Post system or Sri Lanka needs a combination? What would be most beenficial for retaining significant minority representation?

A: The PR system has had its benefits but it has also crated some serious problems. The huge expenditure involving elections is one such problem. Single MP parties can demand one portfolio from a party because of this distortion. I recommend, a fusion.

PR should be observed overall, but the actual electoral basis should be the FPP. This way, interests of different sections of our society can be accommodated. Delimitation is necessary. The last time was 1974, some 40 years ago. The redrawing of territories can happen now. But, all sensitives have to be taken into consideration, including religious, geographical and others. I don't think this can be rushed, but a rational, logical and meaningful approach must be followed.

Q: According to you, there are some identifiable changes for the better now. Does that mean that you would like to be involved here in some way?

A: As an academic, researcher, lawyer and practitioner, specially as someone who has some understanding about how the Centre and the state system function in in India, I think there is much one can do.

There are several sectors that need urgent attention; agriculture, industry and service are a few. Sri Lanka is truly lagging behind. Though we have better per capita income, India is ahead of us in many things including wages. We have no manufacturing industries. Sri Lanka imports everything. There is no ‘made in Sri Lanka’ products except tea. I would like to see three Ds in Sri Lanka- development, democratization and devolution.

As for my personal aspirations, I would love to come back, but nor as apermanent resident but to be engaged in the development initiatives. I think that's the best fit at this point of time.

Q: You mentioned the need for democratization. Where do you see gaps?

A: The 19th Amendment, I do hope, will create fresh opportunities.

We must remember that constitutional making does not alone create democratic conditions. Necessary institutions have to be made and people should enjoy all rights- fundamental and human rights- and political parties must undergo a democratization process.

There should be inner party democracy. I strongly feel that the Elections Commission should be empowered to ensure that political parties have a measure of democracy within. It is only parties enjoying democracy that can form united fronts on behalf of the people. Political parties must create the platforms for debate and discussion. People should not fear governments or politicians. People should be supreme and that should not only be in words written in a constitution but a reality.

Q: Where do you find inner party democracy lacking the most? in the North or the South, or both?

A: Democracy is a universal value. It is for all. Sri Lankan political parties are very weak in this area. Tamil parties, minority parties are extremely weaker.

They should also have some political freedom. Democracy should make leaders and not kings.

Q: Do you think there is an opportunity to implement the 13 Amendment in full now?Or is it still premature?

A: The tide that changed the course on January 8, by the people of this country, irrespective of community and political beliefs, indicates that we are ready. That was a promising political moment.

Q: Does it mean going beyond 13 Amendment?

A: Beyond the 13 Amendment is a fresh point.The present 13 Amendment is already a part of the Constitution. It should be fully implemented. Each and every sentence of the Amendment should be first implemented.

If not, it is a violation of the Constitution. Those who have taken an oath on that basis of upholding the Constitution must follow the Constitution, abide by it and implement.

Q: You met the Northern Province Chief Minister C. Wigneswaran who has been making some critical comments about the release of lands within the Palaly high Security Zone(HSZ) not being fast enough and commitments on power devolution during Indian Premier Narendra Modi's visit to the North.How do you view this defiance and dissatisfaction?

A: Dissatisfaction may be a positive thing to move forward. If you don't feel these emotions, then you are a sanyasi. A certain degree of it is good for moving forward.

I am aware that the Palaly land is being released and people are moving in, excpet the land used for purely security purposes.The difference is the timeframe.

The Northern Provincial Council wants it quick. The center wants to release land gradually. There is no substantial difference between these two positions but subjectively, there is. Both sides must sit and discuss.

Q; Did you suggest this to the Chief Minister?

A: Of course not. He is an experienced man and very senior. He can decide for himself. My meeting with his was extremely cordial.

Q: In the current context, what do you think the role of a Diaspora should be, both Sinhalese and Tamil?

A: In Sri Lanka, that word diaspora only means Tamil. But there are large numebrs of Sinhalese, close upon a million, who are not viewed as Sinhala diaspora.

Diaspora in this context, being Tamil, is also seen as negative. I feel they should be made use of. They should be invited to make a positive contribution. Every disadvantage should be converted into an advantage and they should be allowed a role.

This s also about approach and strategy. The leaders of this country representing all communities must make the non -resident Sri Lankans, contribute to this process. They have resources and the capacity to contribute.