I'll be most wanted person if charges proved - Wimal

by Dhaneshi Yatawara

The UPFA has assured its service to the people rather than introducing a manifesto with loads of promises, Leader the National Freedom Front Wimal Weerawansa said campaigning under the flag of the United People's Freedom Alliance.

"Our aim is to bring pragmatic and sustainable solutions to the problems of the people ," Weerawansa said. Commenting on the allegations raised against him, Weerawansa said if the allegations could be proved he would quit politics. "If those allegations can be proved this government will not delay in putting me behind bars," he added.

Excerpts

Q: The National Freedom Front is campaigning under the United People's Freedom Alliance. How is the elections campaign progressing ?

A: We are campaigning on one theme - 'Let's give life to the country and a new beginning'. In addition to traditional approaches we focus on campaigning on social media. Nine candidates are contesting from the National Freedom Front.

The UPFA election campaign is carried out in three phases to meet and talk to people from every social strata. Several public rallies are being scheduled.

One was held in Tangalle. Small scale meetings have been organised across the country. We have launched a door-to-door campaign.

Q : What are the salient points in the party's manifesto?

A: It will be launched on July 28. It is not a manifesto. It is an assurance of our service to the people.

It is not appropriate to explain it in detail since the party agreed to launch it on a particular day. But we have focused on almost all the issues in the country.

Q : During some interviews you said if allegations against you are proved you will quit politics. What are your comments?

A :My stand will be the same. These are baseless allegations. If I have committed a crime do you think this government would delay in arresting me? I will be the most wanted person if the charges are correct. I can assure that these are false allegations and therefore it is difficult for this government to take any legal action.

I'm not afraid because I have not done anything wrong.

Q : How do you see the public response to your campaigning?

A : I am confident we could win over 12 districts.

Q : How would you describe yourself? Do you still believe in the leftist ideology you upheld many years ago?

A : I am a leftist with faith in nationalism. I believe that broad minded people will correctly understand me.