Give us a chance...

to form a government and make the people happy, says JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayaka:

by Ranil Wijayapala

Despite facing a 'political tsunami' in 2010, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) is now moving forward as a strong political force, and is hopeful of winning a significant number of seats in the next Parliament. Here, JVP Leader, Anura Kumara Dissanayaka talks about the party's election campaign, the manifesto, political bribes, party aspirations and Rajapaksa's prospects.

Excerpts:

Q: The campaigning for the 2015 General Election is now entering the final stages. As the leader of the JVP how do you view this election campaign?

A: Compared to the previous elections, people have been given the space to make their decisions freely and independently at this election. But there are instances where some government ministers are giving jobs and having other agreements to get votes. They are actually election bribes. However, we have through our campaign, created an enthusiasm among the public to vote for the JVP. Therefore, we view this as a successful election campaign where we have been able to take our message to the people effectively.

Q: As a single political party the JVP made an improved representation in Parliament in the 2001 elections and further improved that position in 2004 after contesting under the UPFA banner. But the party vote base eroded at the 2010 General Election. Do you think that your party can build a strong vote base this time?

A: In 2010, not only the JVP, all other political parties in the opposition faced a political tsunami. But the most important thing is the resilience of a political party. As the JVP, we have hope that we can build a strong vote base at this election.

Q: Do you think people can be confident of a political party which cannot form a government?

A: There is a tendency for the voters to support a political party which can form a government. That is the challenge before us. We want to convince the people and create an opinion among the common masses that the JVP is a party which has the capacity to form a government.

Q: What will be the role of the JVP if it cannot form a government after the election?

A: The new government will be formed by the two main parties. Therefore, the need of the hour is to have a strong opposition. The JVP is ready to take that responsibility and we invite the people to vote for the JVP to create a strong opposition.

Q: As you said the two main parties are going to form a government after the election. But Mahinda Rajapaksa is also contesting with the UPFA. So will there be any chance for the UNP to form a government with him?

A: Mahinda Rajapaksa will be able to secure a seat in Parliament. Then he will be an ordinary MP and Maithripala Sirisena will be the President and also the Chairman of the SLFP.

Q: People are also of the view that one single party will not be able to form a government. If a political uncertainty is created in the country, will the JVP join with any of the major parties to form a government?

A: If one single party cannot form a government, they will buy the MPs from the other parties.

The game of political bribes and cheap tactics will be revealed if a single party cannot form a government.

Q: If the UPFA led by Mahinda Rajapaksa succeeds in forming a government, what is the stance the JVP is going to take?

A: We are hundred per cent sure that there is no chance for him to come to power again.

Q: On what basis you are saying so?

A: The SLFP for the past few years conducted their election campaign using government resources. For the first time, after 20 years the SLFP is doing its own election campaign. That is also a bankrupt election campaign. Therefore there is no room for Rajapaksa to come to power again.

Q: People are concerned about the fight against frauds, corruption becoming mere political slogans.

A: A considerable number of inquiries are going on. That is why the UPFA has included the abolition of the Financial Crime Investigation Division in their manifesto as one promise.

Q: But there is criticism about conducting these investigations with political motives?

A: If those investigations are expedited targeting some people politically that is unacceptable. There should be a methodical way to investigate these incidents in a fair manner and bring the culprits to book through the proper way.

Q: There are questions about the practicality about the election manifesto presented by the JVP as 'Accord of Conscientiousness'.

A: This is the only programme that can stabilize this country and also to keep the people of this country happy. The programs presented by other political parties are not manifestos. They are only political promises. They made those promises in 1970, 1977, 1994, and 2004 and also in 2010. Therefore, the country is fed up with these political promises.

Q: How are you are going to implement this programme?

A: We appeal to the people to give us one chance by giving us power to form a government to implement this programme.