Effective postal service to benefit public - Minister Kumaranatunga

Steps have been taken to computerize and network the entire postal systems in the country to offer the public with a more effective postal service, said Postal Services Minister Jeewan Kumaranatunga in an interview with the Daily News. Modern technology and the assistance of the private sector will be obtained to carry out this task, he said.

Nadira Gunatilleke

Following is the text of the interview:

Q: What do you think about the proposed Parliamentary Select Committee to find a solution for the ethnic issue?

A: Proposing to appoint a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) is a very timely step. It is very good to stop passing the ball and start finding a permanent solution to the ethnic issue by getting together. The responsibility is not only on the government. All other parties have the responsibility of appointing representatives to the PSC.

Q: How do you describe the latest election victory of the UPFA government?

A: The latest election victory very clearly shows that the people approve the government’s programmes for the country. Election results further strengthened the government. Various persons try to give various interpretations but the LG polls were a real and clear test of the public opinion. The Opposition should look at themselves and decide where they stand. They should correct their mistakes which push them further backwards. Holding elections is a democratic act and all should take advantage of that. It is the same for the government. The government can avoid shortcomings if there are any by looking at the election results of different electorates.

Q: What do you think about the Channel 4 videos, Darusman Report and the latest developments in the international arena?

A: The Channel 4 videos, Darusman Report etc are the products of pro-LTTE elements. The videos were totally fabricated and the report was based on wrong information. It was a one sided political report. These challenges should be defeated with the power of the Sri Lankan people. Sri Lankans living abroad are another major strength for us.

We suffered due to war for 30 years. Some elements want to stop our successful march towards development. We have to defeat such elements with both local and foreign support under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. As long as we are strong, the aims of evil elements will not be successful. If we become weak, they will win. We cannot let them destroy the future of the Sri Lankan children. As adults, it is our responsibility to protect the future generations.

Q: What should be the responsibility of the Opposition and the public at this juncture?

A: All the problems occurred because the Opposition did not do their duties well. The public would not have rejected the Opposition if it had come forward on behalf of the people and did their duties. Instead of acting on behalf of the people, the Opposition acted on behalf of anti-Sri Lankan foreign elements. The people did not like this and defeated the Opposition which betrayed the country and supported anti-Sri Lanka foreign elements. The people have distanced themselves from the Opposition because they do not accept their behaviour and strategies. The people have already handed power over to the government for another five years because the government’s strategy is correct.

It is the responsibility of the opposition to correct shortcomings of the government if there are any. They should provide constructive criticism instead of mud-slinging. The responsibility of the government is to develop the country and upgrade the living standards of the people. The government is successfully doing this now.

Anti-Sri Lankan foreign elements do not like Sri Lanka’s rapid march towards development. They do not want Sri Lanka to stand up on its own feet and be self-sufficient. The people have to be with the government at all times to defeat these elements and to develop the country. Then they will not get a chance to create trouble-internally or externally. They cannot harm Sri Lanka if the people protect their motherland.

Although we destroyed the LTTE and eradicated terrorism, it is very much active at international level. You can see the latest developments in certain foreign countries where anti-patriotic foreign elements destroy countries in the name of ‘human rights’. But this cannot be done if people stand firm and protect the country.

Q: How are performing arts developing under the UPFA government?

A: President Mahinda Rajapaksa provided a significant service towards the advancement of performing arts in Sri Lanka.

Constructing Ranmihithenna is one fine example. He did all these while fighting against terrorism.

He did not wait until the war ended. The President has already done a very good service to Sri Lankan cinema and other forms of art. The development of art shows that peace exists in the country.

Now good stage dramas are produced. People visit cinema halls to watch films. Nights are becoming livelier day by day. Transport services will be further upgraded.

Q: What are your plans to develop our outdated postal service?

A: Steps have already been taken to computerize and network the entire postal system in the country including all post offices.

The main objective is to offer the public a more effective postal service. At the moment, the postal service is delivering letters and parcels etc, selling stamps and carrying out very limited tasks. But our plan is to convert the traditional Postman into an essential person for the public. Modern technology and the assistance of the private sector will be obtained to carry out this task.