COUNTRY NEEDS A SOLUTION THAT CAN UNITE ALL: ANURA KUMARA DISSANAYAKE
Saturday, 13 March 2010 00:00
By Dianne Silva
Q: What do you think are your chances and the party’s chances of victory at the upcoming Parliamentary elections?
I believe we will have an outstanding victory; especially because we are contesting this election to re-establish democracy and give the people solutions to the pressing issues they are facing today. We intend on using the strength we will obtain in Parliament, to join with the other parties in Parliament, have discussions with them and establish an interim government for three years.
We will join with other parties that have different ideologies and establish an interim Parliament, which will be valid for three years. Through that Parliament we hope to address democratic issues, economic development, constitutional reform, the implementation of the 17th amendment and solutions to the pressing needs of the people at this time.
Q: What are these pressing needs of the people, which you keep referring to?
Mainly they are employment for youth and upholding manufacturing industries in the country which have fallen into disarray. We are aiming at uplifting them by giving them financial assistance and a market in which to sell their products.
Similarly, improving the agricultural sector, by giving subsidies to farmers and a fair price for their produce and assisting fisherman and the fisheries industry.
Q: You talk of an outstanding victory, but realistically speaking is it possible to carry out a successful election campaign, with a leader that is still being incarcerated?
I think it’s possible, because we have a number of parties that are supporting us; especially the JVP and persons from the UNP. For example in the Gampaha District from the nominations list of the 21, nine are from the UNP and six are from the JVP, the rest represent other parties. Therefore with the assistance and cooperation of all these parties we are confident we can carry out a successful election campaign. Additionally Mrs. Fonseka is supporting us as well. We have organized a number of campaigns around the country, door to door campaigning and on the 16th of this month we will be releasing our election manifesto.
Q: You mentioned Mrs. Fonseka, but to many she seems like a figurehead and a stand-in for the General. What is your response to such talk is she actually involved in this process or is she just a figurehead?
She is definitely participating in the campaign directly and has been instrumental in the process. Similarly we have utilized, the experience she has gained by working in various fields and she is now a proactive political leader.
Q: Is it possible to become a “proactive political leader” within the space of a month?
She is engaging in politics, with the support of well-seasoned political leaders within the party.
Q: Does your party have any hope that there will be any positive development, with regard to the situation of General Fonseka?
No none at all;
this government is afraid even of the shadow of General Fonseka. Q: You mention earlier the 17th amendment, what about the 13th amendment what is the stance of the new Alliance on this issue?
We believe the 13th amendment has not been a solution to the problems of the people of this country. It is a document that was forced on us, under the government of J.R. Jayewardene, by India; it was in no way a solution to the problems of the people of our country. The situation has changed greatly, after the defeat of separatist terrorism. Similarly the biggest issue faced by the Tamil people at this time is, the situation of the IDP’s, the arrest of a number of Tamil youth, and the issues of jobs, education, health and basic infrastructure for Tamil youth.
Similarly they have had to face issues, with regard to their culture and language; for example if they go to a Police station and make a complaint, their statement is written down in Sinhalese and that person is unable to verify if the facts of the statement are correct or not.
Further, there is not enough being done to develop their culture; the Hindu Cultural Ministry has been transformed into one that simply doles out money to Kovils. Therefore Tamil youth are forced to adopt the culture of Tamil Nadu; their heroes have become Rajini Kanth and Vije Kumar. Therefore we need to develop Tamil cinema, Tamil literature and an organic Tamil culture in our country; we hope to provide space for this.
This can only be done by a solution that gives equal opportunity to all, however this cannot be done by the 13th amendment, it is an outdated piece of legislature.
Q: Your voter base has already deteriorated to a great extent, and joining with elements of the UNP, will only depreciate it further. Isn’t this a detrimental move for both sides?
The JVP has always come forward with a unique political philosophy, however in the past months we have faced a few setbacks at the polls, we accept that fact. However why has this happened? For what fault of ours? We believe there is nothing for us to change. We have never swindled the people’s money, we won’t change that. We have a goal and principles we won’t change those. And there is unity in our party, we won’t change that. Finally we love this country and its people and we won’t change that.
There are very few things we need to change in our party, however if there are things that we need to add on, then we are a party that is willing to add these things. So the true change needs to be within the people.
Q: So it is the people that need to change? Not the party?
Yes honestly, it is the people. Especially at this time where there has been a decline in democracy, the 17th amendment is not being implemented and therefore there are no independent commissions in this country. The state media is being used to sling mud at those that hold different opinions to the government. Newspapers have been closed down and those who supported the General have been taken into custody with no reason and thereafter released. Finally, they arrested even General Sarath Fonseka. There is a crumbling of democracy in the country with Policeman and thugs working together. Police stations have literally become campaign offices of the government. We see the need for a broad alliance to meet these challenges.
But in order to do everything you have detailed, you need to obtain votes and go to Parliament.
Q: But by adopting this strategy of joining with the UNP, are you not defeating your purpose, because your votes are deteriorating?
We have in no way joined with the UNP.
Q: But earlier you said that you joined with elements of the UNP
What I meant was that, we have formed an alliance to develop the country and bring about good governance. This alliance does not represent only the JVP, other parties have joined us and are taking an active role; Arjuna Ranatunga from the UPFA, Jayantha Katagoda from the UNP and a number of other actors. But this is by no means an amalgamation of the UNP and the JVP, it is a joining together of actors from various parties under the leadership of General Sarath Fonseka.
Q: Why didn’t you contest under the symbol of the bell?
Because of the situation that arose after the Presidential election and the further deterioration of democracy we had to join again with the man that dispelled separatist terrorism in this country. We never expected that they would arrest this great man without a charge and keep him imprisoned for over a month.
Q: But that’s not entirely correct they have presented the charges against him..
The government has not been successful in presenting a charge sheet. Normally a charge sheet is presented before an arrest is made but it has taken them over a month. It was reported in the newspapers that there were charges against him but it was never formally presented.
All these factors showed that democracy was crumbling and the alliance needed to be broadened to face these challenges. We had discussions about this with the UNP, but they chose to go their own way and they had every right to do so. However a party should take decision based on the needs of the people at a certain time.
After this attempt failed we decided to build on the leadership of General Fonseka and contest under the symbol of the trophy. Because at a time when he is being incarcerated it is an ungrateful move to be firm on our symbol and abandon him.
He is behind bars for no fault of his own, but because he stood up to the President for the people of this country.
Q: Do the main ideologies of the various parties that are joining with the alliance, go in line with those of the JVP?
The reason we have formed an alliance and not a party is for this reason. If we kept talking of our differences then we could have divided on those lines, but we concentrated on the things that we agreed on. Our aims are; firstly to free General Sarath Fonseka, to re-establish democracy, and to stop corruption and to establish a strong economy for the future generation of our country. We have a manifesto for this and we are all in agreement with this.
But what people are thinking is; “how long will this last?” because the JVP and the UNP joined together for the Presidential Election and without even obtaining power they divided within a month.
I agree the people will have issues with this; but we said categorically at the Presidential Election that we had differences and that following the victory of General Fonseka we would go contest separately at a Parliamentary election.
Q: What is you opinion, on the fact that the UPFA, is unable to name their Prime Ministerial candidate, prior to the election?
This is because that is an alliance based purely on obtaining and retaining power. And when they feel that power could be reduced or divided the alliance will crumble. It is because of this fact that they are unable to introduce a second rung of leadership; the next Prime Minister will be the leader of the party and therefore the next President, if Mahinda Rajapaksa does not change the constitution. Therefore he needs to introduce the next level of leadership but because of the greed for power he does not want to do this.
Q: Finally you said recently that the contributions to General Fonseka’s campaign would be presented to court and made public, can you talk to us about that?
A court case is in process about this matter. You know that a number of people contribute towards an election campaign; General Fonseka didn’t have to sell his family bungalow to contest the election, he had sufficient contributions from well-wishers. However we knew that under the Rajapaksa regime those well-wishers would be threatened, which is why we did not reveal their names.
However now, due to the accusations that are being hurled, our lawyers are formulating a limited summary of details.
Q: You said the funds were from well-wishers. But 75 million from well-wishers? Were any international organizations involved?
Yes from well wishers. The government, for every issue pulls out Norway and conspiracies by the international community.
There are rumours to suggest that the General did not divulge to the JVP and the UNP the actual number of contributions he was receiving and used his own teams to handle these funds.
Q: What is your response to such allegations?
When we were conducting our election campaign, we had different groups handling funds, propaganda, etc.
Q: But was the JVP directly involved?
We had an understanding of how contributions were being collected, how they were being spent and used.
Q: What does it mean to have an understanding? Were you not directly involved in these matters?
We had representatives in the teams that handled financial matters.
Q: Who was in charge of these units?
The CID is also looking for this information, so I don’t think I can reveal it to a newspaper.
Saturday, 13 March 2010 00:00
By Dianne Silva
Q: What do you think are your chances and the party’s chances of victory at the upcoming Parliamentary elections?
I believe we will have an outstanding victory; especially because we are contesting this election to re-establish democracy and give the people solutions to the pressing issues they are facing today. We intend on using the strength we will obtain in Parliament, to join with the other parties in Parliament, have discussions with them and establish an interim government for three years.
We will join with other parties that have different ideologies and establish an interim Parliament, which will be valid for three years. Through that Parliament we hope to address democratic issues, economic development, constitutional reform, the implementation of the 17th amendment and solutions to the pressing needs of the people at this time.
Q: What are these pressing needs of the people, which you keep referring to?
Mainly they are employment for youth and upholding manufacturing industries in the country which have fallen into disarray. We are aiming at uplifting them by giving them financial assistance and a market in which to sell their products.
Similarly, improving the agricultural sector, by giving subsidies to farmers and a fair price for their produce and assisting fisherman and the fisheries industry.
Q: You talk of an outstanding victory, but realistically speaking is it possible to carry out a successful election campaign, with a leader that is still being incarcerated?
I think it’s possible, because we have a number of parties that are supporting us; especially the JVP and persons from the UNP. For example in the Gampaha District from the nominations list of the 21, nine are from the UNP and six are from the JVP, the rest represent other parties. Therefore with the assistance and cooperation of all these parties we are confident we can carry out a successful election campaign. Additionally Mrs. Fonseka is supporting us as well. We have organized a number of campaigns around the country, door to door campaigning and on the 16th of this month we will be releasing our election manifesto.
Q: You mentioned Mrs. Fonseka, but to many she seems like a figurehead and a stand-in for the General. What is your response to such talk is she actually involved in this process or is she just a figurehead?
She is definitely participating in the campaign directly and has been instrumental in the process. Similarly we have utilized, the experience she has gained by working in various fields and she is now a proactive political leader.
Q: Is it possible to become a “proactive political leader” within the space of a month?
She is engaging in politics, with the support of well-seasoned political leaders within the party.
Q: Does your party have any hope that there will be any positive development, with regard to the situation of General Fonseka?
No none at all;
this government is afraid even of the shadow of General Fonseka. We believe the 13th amendment has not been a solution to the problems of the people of this country. It is a document that was forced on us, under the government of J.R. Jayewardene, by India; it was in no way a solution to the problems of the people of our country. The situation has changed greatly, after the defeat of separatist terrorism. Similarly the biggest issue faced by the Tamil people at this time is, the situation of the IDP’s, the arrest of a number of Tamil youth, and the issues of jobs, education, health and basic infrastructure for Tamil youth.
Similarly they have had to face issues, with regard to their culture and language; for example if they go to a Police station and make a complaint, their statement is written down in Sinhalese and that person is unable to verify if the facts of the statement are correct or not.
Further, there is not enough being done to develop their culture; the Hindu Cultural Ministry has been transformed into one that simply doles out money to Kovils. Therefore Tamil youth are forced to adopt the culture of Tamil Nadu; their heroes have become Rajini Kanth and Vije Kumar. Therefore we need to develop Tamil cinema, Tamil literature and an organic Tamil culture in our country; we hope to provide space for this.
This can only be done by a solution that gives equal opportunity to all, however this cannot be done by the 13th amendment, it is an outdated piece of legislature.
Q: Your voter base has already deteriorated to a great extent, and joining with elements of the UNP, will only depreciate it further. Isn’t this a detrimental move for both sides?
The JVP has always come forward with a unique political philosophy, however in the past months we have faced a few setbacks at the polls, we accept that fact. However why has this happened? For what fault of ours? We believe there is nothing for us to change. We have never swindled the people’s money, we won’t change that. We have a goal and principles we won’t change those. And there is unity in our party, we won’t change that. Finally we love this country and its people and we won’t change that.
There are very few things we need to change in our party, however if there are things that we need to add on, then we are a party that is willing to add these things. So the true change needs to be within the people.
Q: So it is the people that need to change? Not the party?
Yes honestly, it is the people. Especially at this time where there has been a decline in democracy, the 17th amendment is not being implemented and therefore there are no independent commissions in this country. The state media is being used to sling mud at those that hold different opinions to the government. Newspapers have been closed down and those who supported the General have been taken into custody with no reason and thereafter released. Finally, they arrested even General Sarath Fonseka. There is a crumbling of democracy in the country with Policeman and thugs working together. Police stations have literally become campaign offices of the government. We see the need for a broad alliance to meet these challenges.
But in order to do everything you have detailed, you need to obtain votes and go to Parliament.
Q: But by adopting this strategy of joining with the UNP, are you not defeating your purpose, because your votes are deteriorating?
We have in no way joined with the UNP.
Q: But earlier you said that you joined with elements of the UNP
What I meant was that, we have formed an alliance to develop the country and bring about good governance. This alliance does not represent only the JVP, other parties have joined us and are taking an active role; Arjuna Ranatunga from the UPFA, Jayantha Katagoda from the UNP and a number of other actors. But this is by no means an amalgamation of the UNP and the JVP, it is a joining together of actors from various parties under the leadership of General Sarath Fonseka.
Q: Why didn’t you contest under the symbol of the bell?
Because of the situation that arose after the Presidential election and the further deterioration of democracy we had to join again with the man that dispelled separatist terrorism in this country. We never expected that they would arrest this great man without a charge and keep him imprisoned for over a month.
Q: But that’s not entirely correct they have presented the charges against him..
The government has not been successful in presenting a charge sheet. Normally a charge sheet is presented before an arrest is made but it has taken them over a month. It was reported in the newspapers that there were charges against him but it was never formally presented.
All these factors showed that democracy was crumbling and the alliance needed to be broadened to face these challenges. We had discussions about this with the UNP, but they chose to go their own way and they had every right to do so. However a party should take decision based on the needs of the people at a certain time.
After this attempt failed we decided to build on the leadership of General Fonseka and contest under the symbol of the trophy. Because at a time when he is being incarcerated it is an ungrateful move to be firm on our symbol and abandon him.
He is behind bars for no fault of his own, but because he stood up to the President for the people of this country.
Q: Do the main ideologies of the various parties that are joining with the alliance, go in line with those of the JVP?
The reason we have formed an alliance and not a party is for this reason. If we kept talking of our differences then we could have divided on those lines, but we concentrated on the things that we agreed on. Our aims are; firstly to free General Sarath Fonseka, to re-establish democracy, and to stop corruption and to establish a strong economy for the future generation of our country. We have a manifesto for this and we are all in agreement with this.
But what people are thinking is; “how long will this last?” because the JVP and the UNP joined together for the Presidential Election and without even obtaining power they divided within a month.
I agree the people will have issues with this; but we said categorically at the Presidential Election that we had differences and that following the victory of General Fonseka we would go contest separately at a Parliamentary election.
Q: What is you opinion, on the fact that the UPFA, is unable to name their Prime Ministerial candidate, prior to the election?
This is because that is an alliance based purely on obtaining and retaining power. And when they feel that power could be reduced or divided the alliance will crumble. It is because of this fact that they are unable to introduce a second rung of leadership; the next Prime Minister will be the leader of the party and therefore the next President, if Mahinda Rajapaksa does not change the constitution. Therefore he needs to introduce the next level of leadership but because of the greed for power he does not want to do this.
Q: Finally you said recently that the contributions to General Fonseka’s campaign would be presented to court and made public, can you talk to us about that?
A court case is in process about this matter. You know that a number of people contribute towards an election campaign; General Fonseka didn’t have to sell his family bungalow to contest the election, he had sufficient contributions from well-wishers. However we knew that under the Rajapaksa regime those well-wishers would be threatened, which is why we did not reveal their names.
However now, due to the accusations that are being hurled, our lawyers are formulating a limited summary of details.
Q: You said the funds were from well-wishers. But 75 million from well-wishers? Were any international organizations involved?
Yes from well wishers. The government, for every issue pulls out Norway and conspiracies by the international community.
There are rumours to suggest that the General did not divulge to the JVP and the UNP the actual number of contributions he was receiving and used his own teams to handle these funds.
Q: What is your response to such allegations?
When we were conducting our election campaign, we had different groups handling funds, propaganda, etc.
Q: But was the JVP directly involved?
We had an understanding of how contributions were being collected, how they were being spent and used.
Q: What does it mean to have an understanding? Were you not directly involved in these matters?
We had representatives in the teams that handled financial matters.
Q: Who was in charge of these units?
The CID is also looking for this information, so I don’t think I can reveal it to a newspaper.
