Mahinda And Maithri Must Unite – Dullas Alahapperuma
Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) member and Former Minister Dullas Alahapperuma is an experienced politician who has taken many a tough decision in his political career. The Sunday Leader spoke to him to obtain his views on several controversial issues which took place last week including the meeting between President Maithripala Sirisena and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Following are excerpts of the interview:
By Ashanthi Warunasuriya
Q: What was the goal of the meeting between President Maithripala Sirisena and Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa?
A: It was for the unity of the SLFP party.
Q: How was it initially arranged?
A: We had a discussion with the SLFP General Secretary, the SLFP Media Spokesperson and SLFP National Organizer at length on this issue. Accordingly, we formed the basis of the discussion and decided in which way this should be initiated.
Q: How was the atmosphere of the discussion of two leaders?
A: We were disappointed at the beginning of the discussion since the three persons aforementioned were not at the meeting. However Anura Priyadarshana Yapa participated later. We decided that the non-participation of some key SLFP members at the meeting should not be seen as a hindrance to carry on the discussion between the present leader of the SLFP President Maithripala Sirisena and its former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Q: What will be the future following this discussion?
A: We discussed on taking forward our discussions. But to make it a success, State Media has to play a major role. As a media person, I myself know that the state media at present is being controlled by the United National Party (UNP). However, understanding the people in this regard is important.
Q: Was there misreporting by the media on the meeting?
A: One media said we discussed about giving nominations. It is completely false. We asked the SLFP General Secretary and the Opposition Leader to correct this statement immediately because it may derail the peace of the party that we are eager to achieve.
Q: Some are of the view that President Maithripala Sirisena came to power via the backing of the UNP.
A: The President is the Chairman of the SLFP as well. The SLFP provided a vote base for his victory. If the UNP could win with their vote base, Ranil Wickremesinghe would never have let Maithripala Sirisena to be the common candidate for the Presidential election. That election was for the 100 days. Now it is over. So as the Chairman of the SLFP, now it is his responsibility to take the party to a winning position. He does not have to get caught into the traps of the UNP. The President is a greatly experienced politician. I do not think he will succumb to UNP strategies.
Q: Does former president Mahinda Rajapaksa have the support to face the Parliament election?
A: No need of that. He already has the power. He lost the election. But that defeat and the preference of the people are two different aspects. Defeat is common at elections. At present Mahinda Rajapaksa is powerful. Everyone knows how he wields people’s power at present.
Q: There has not been a clear indication that the former President will contest the election. Has he formally confirmed it?
A: The discussion that is going on is for this purpose. Everyone who loves our country and who are SLFPers asked for his return to the political arena. My goal is also to meet their expectations.
Q: What is your opinion on the new government?
A: No parliament in the world has witnessed the kind of events that happen in Sri Lanka after the January election. The JVP is with the government via the National Executive Committee. Only the TNA and MP Ajith Kumara act as the opposition in parliament. The SLFP has an opposition leader. But over 15 SLFP members are now Ministers in the government. This is an absolute farce. There is no opposition for the country. Former President J. R. Jayewardene could have said that he had 2/3 majority in parliament. But what has Ranil to say? He can say that he has 2/3 of SLFP MPs.
Q: Does that mean that you oppose SLFP MPs accepting posts in the government?
A: The national government is a kind of non-political status. There were instances that needed a national government in this country –f or example, for defeating separatism and helping Tsunami victims. But those who are in the national government now laughed at that time. What is the purpose of the national government now? This is political, unrealistic and unscientific.
Q: Were not you invited to join the national government?
A: I refused to join and informed my stand in writing to the SLFP that this procedure is dishonest and I cannot agree.
Q: What have you to say about the allegation of fraud and corruption that were raised against some SLFP members?
A: Raising allegations does not mean they have evidence. They must prove it. I also thought when I was campaigning that these allegations may be true. But I find now that not one has been found to be true. I do not think that slinging mud at characters is fair. The maximum punishment should be given to those who misused state properties. I totally agree with it. But the UNP is just taking this as an exhibition till the next general election.
Q: But many say that the SLFP joined the government to get away from charges of corruption and fraud.
A: There are three main groups amongst the SLFP MPs who joined the government. Some joined to discourage the former President from returning to politics. Others joined thinking genuinely that they can do something for reconciliation. There is another group that joined to avoid allegations aimed at them. All these three groups are now in the government.
Q: Is this situation the cause for the SLFP losing ground?
A: It has been there for many years. The SLFP governed for 21 years. Conflicts are natural in this situation. In addition to internal conflicts in the party, there is an international push to defeat Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Q: There is also this issue about the opposition leader being from the SLFP?
A: It is not only an issue with the SLFP. It is a problem in democracy itself. In the 19th Amendment, it must be discussed who should be the opposition leader. There is no written clause that clarifies the way to appoint the opposition leader. We have to correct this situation.
Q: On what basis did you vote for the 19th amendment?
A: On the argument that it helps to strengthen democracy of this country.
Q: The next is the 20th Amendment. What is your view?
A: Former President J. R. Jayewardene introduced the 78 Constitution with the present voting system. That can only be rooted out by removing the whole voting system. I personally believe that one reason for the deterioration of the election system in the country is this voting system. So if we need democracy, we have to change this system.
Q: However, at grassroots level, the people are disgruntled. They do not understand the constitution.
A: Under this government, the developing country collapsed. Fortunately, tourism grew due to the peace in the country. We get foreign exchange, but the economy is falling apart. Jobs in the construction field are no more. We cannot go forward like this.
Mahinda Rajapaksa handed over the country after bringing down inflation and the unemployment figures. But today everything is in shambles. Good governance should be felt by the people. They must feel it in practice.
Q: But Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had said that this year the public celebrated the New Year as they had received concessions?
A: He feels the reduction in the price of milk, dhal, coriander, etc.
helped the people to celebrate New Year. Now prices are on the up again. Development is no more.
Q: What are your plans for the future election?
A: We will face the election under the SLFP. Statistics of the last election shows that the UNP vote base is less when compared to the SLFP without the support of the JVP, TNA, Jathika Hela Urumaya and the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress.
Q: Are you disgruntled for what happened at the last election?
A: I am not person who gets disgruntled easily.
Q: What is your stand now?
A: I am not greedy for power. I have shown that in my actions. If I say I am not greedy for power, people will not believe me. Once I let go of everything I had in politics and resigned within 24 hours. But we have to safeguard the country. Mahinda is the leader of the movement that brought freedom to the country.
I love the SLFP. At this moment the leader of the SLFP is the General Secretary of the party that I have been with during my whole political life. My goal is to get both these leaders together and develop the country. In the Matara District I have done a lot. There is exemplary politics in Matara. I did what was expected of me. I did not take any privileges.
I also safeguard the respect of the northern people. I carry on my duties protecting the respect of my leader, my family and the people in the Matara district.
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WE ARE WAITING TILL SOMEBODY TEACH THE WHOLE FAMILY A LESSON
IF PRES MS LISTEN TO ALL THESE THEN IT IS BETRAYAL TO THE PEOPLE OF SRI LANKA , WHO ELECTED HIM , MEANS WE WANTED TO THROW AWAY MAHINDA AND FAMILY AND THE ROGUE CLANS , NEED FRESH BLOOD WITH CLEAN RECORDS
PRES MS SHOULD DO THIS , NOT TO LISTEN TO INSIDERS