Central Province on the path of development:

A new era ahead

Pathmasekara NISSANKA

The following interview with Central Province Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake relates to the work commenced during his previous term and new projects outlined to develop the Province.

Q: You have been appointed Chef Minister of Central Province for another term. Can you describe the new development plans for the next five years?

A: Our Provincial Council was dissolved ahead of schedule. There was a question on maintaining the Provincial Council administration over a majority crisis situation created by the JVP. As a result, many development plans undertaken by the Previous Council are still not completed. Now we are in a position to re-start the work that was suspended. Most road development projects are done with foreign aid provided through the Central Government as the President has seen the situation and taken an initiative to resolve these matters. The Central Province has to develop 2,400 km roads out of which 300 km has been repaired. We re fortunate to have such a practical leader in the calibre of the President. It is much easier to achieve our goals now. We now have a clear majority in the Provincial Council. However, we have decided to do away with petty political rivalries and work jointly with the Opposition to fulfil the needs of the people. We are discussing with scholars in the Province to develop education of the Central Province on a new vision.

Q: As you have a clear majority this time will it lead to exploitation of powers?

A: We will not do that instead when we formulate plans we will take the needs of the people into consideration. Just because we have the majority in the Council we do not keep the Opposition aside. We saw what happened in the previous term. The JVP which won several seats with the support of the UPFA went against the UPFA. People have given the best answer to the JVP this time. Previously, the JVP obtained several seats in the Central, Sabaragamuwa, North Central and North Western Provincial Councils but this time it was reversed. People have sidelined the JVP. Hereafter there is no future for the JVP. This shows that the public is fully aware of the UNP’s role also. The UNP has very senior politicians. The Mahinda Rajapaksa Government has no strong opposition. The UNP was a powerful political party created by the late Prime Minister D. S. Senanayake, which carried out many useful development projects. It was built around many stalwarts. Now the party has been decimated and pushed back to a square one. The past leaders must be cursing the present plight of the party and praising Mahinda Rajapaksa wishing him long life. It is impossible to think that in the near future UNP would raise its head again and move forward.

Q: The JVP met with a Pathetic fate at the last election. What is your opinion on the erosion of JVP power?

A: We need to think about our past history. In my view, the JVP tends to forget its history. When they wanted to go to the Parliament and Provincial Councils they went along with the PA. After getting there it tried to achieve its own selfish objectives. When we questioned them why they wanted to sit in the opposition. They said it’s a political and party decision. The people did not vote for the policies of the JVP. Even SLFPers voted JVP thinking JVP would work towards achieving the objectives of the UPFA in a better way. Instead of serving the people, the JVP violated the mandate given to them and sacrificed it to achieve its own ends. Not only ordinary people but their own members who were with them for a considerable number of years have joined hands with President Mahinda Rajapaksa. This has been a major turning point in the political arena. Even UNPers joined hands with the President as his vision is correct only the JVP has lost its way.

Q: During the recently concluded election you received the support of the unemployed graduates. Now it is your turn to fulfil their aspirations.

A: Definitely, I always have a high regard towards graduates as they have received these qualifications after going through many hardships. They belong to our community. The UNP did not recognize them and offer them employment even as a hospital labourer. The President and his UPFA Government has provided employment to more than 50,000 unemployed graduates and A/L qualified persons. A majority of the appointments were given in the Central Province. We pay due respect to graduates and would continue to do so in the future too.

Q: You introduced the maiden budget for the Central Province. What are your views on the budget proposals?

A: The most important advice the President gave to us when we took oaths was development of infrastructure facilities in the Central Province alone is not going to uplift the living standards of the people. We need to generate new projects within the Province and enhance the earning capacity of the people. Our budget proposals have taken these aspects into consideration. The highest percentage of Information Technology facilities in the country are available in schools in the Central Province. I want to improve on that we have made many achievements at the national level in this aspect. An improved road network has been established with the construction of small bridges. I am satisfied with the service rendered as the Minister of Education and the Chief Minister. Several other ministerial posts had seen assigned to me. As the Education Minister, I analysed the root cause of problems and shortcomings in the education sector and addressed them. I paid special attention towards addressing the problem of shortage of teachers.

Q: The Government has successfully completed the North and East humanitarian operation. Some of the IDPs in the welfare centres have told the international representatives and journalists that they are not satisfied with the facilities provided to them. What have you to say about these statements?

A: First of all, let me say thanks to our President. We have been able to fully liberate the country in a short period. We have to provide assistance and solutions to Tamil people in their social, political and cultural issues I firmly believe that the President would provide all necessary facilities. North and East people will be able to protect their democratic rights and terrorism would not raise, its head again. Under the supervision of Presidential Senior Advisor and parliamentarian Basil Rajapaksa all facilities are being provided to people in welfare centres in the North. Under his supervision, providing of infrastructure facilities such as roads, electricity and water was carried out in a short period and daily needs were provided for IDPs. There may be some people who support the LTTE among the IDPs. Their lives have been saved due to the dedication of our war heroes. They should be grateful to President Mahinda Rajapaksa and our war heroes yet we have to take action to change their attitudes. I too have seen these welfare centres and am satisfied with the facilities provided.

Q: Central Provincial Council Opposition Leader S.B. Dissanayaka was a powerful Minister in the former PA Government. What is your opinion about his role in the council?

A: There should be a strong opposition otherwise there could be mistakes on our part. I personally believe that. There are many burning issues to be questioned from the Governing party. In the absence of a strong opposition, any Government may go on a wrong direction. To express the people’s voice, a strong opposition is required. But I sincerely feel sorry for the UNP as it was a strong political party when created by D.S. Senanayaka.

Q: What do you think about your service during the course of your political career?

A: People expect that I should continue my service to them in the future as well. I have served the people of the Central Province irrespective of political differences. I am sure they have realized that their vote has not gone waste. I have given several opportunities to graduate teachers and Information Technology facilities are now available in schools in the province. Health, rural electrification and urban development sectors are progressing. I believe only quality work would provide maximum benefits to people.

Q: Supporters of their parties who have lost confidence are joining you. Will you ensure justice to them?

A: Voters who want to discuss their issues with me do so at any time. There are no mediators to arrange meetings with me. This is the manner I serve people. Even in future, I do not give false promises.