Government capable of delivering people’s needs - Milinda Moragoda

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

Colombo citizens want to fulfill their basic needs and believe that this government is capable of delivering to them, said United People’s Freedom Alliance Colombo Municipal Council mayoral candidate Milinda Moragoda in an interview with the Daily News.

Following are extracts of the interview:

Q: Do you think you will become the Mayor of Colombo?

A: I have presented my ideas to the people and now they have to decide. I am confident that the people will make a wise decision. It is the people’s choice. I have never obstructed the people’s decision in my entire political career. I have never tried to impose things on the people.

Q: What are the key requests made by the people when you met them during your campaign?

A: Eradication of poverty is one. We suffered from brutal terrorism for 30 years and Colombo was also affected.

UPFA CMC Mayoral candidate Milinda Moragoda

It was the most affected place outside the North and East. Some of the requests of the people are basic facilities, such as, housing, water and sanitation, employment and education. Street lights, proper drainage systems etc are also their basic requirements.

Youths need more employment opportunities and assistance to commence self-employment ventures. Although education and employment do not come directly under the purview of the CMC, it has the responsibility to coordinate with the Central Government and meet the needs of the citizens. Many ethnic groups belonging to different religions live in Colombo city and they want due respect and their dignity protected. We will take action to ensure this.

Q: What do people think about your manifesto?

A: We received a positive response from the people for our policies. We have offered two policy platforms. One is our 100 day programme and the other is the long-term policy platform. The long-term policy platform was available for public comment. A lot of comments were received from the public. People from all walks of life and various organizations, such as, Three Wheel Drivers’ Association, professionals’ associations and interested groups interacted with us.

The basic final version of the long-term policy platform is presented now but it will continue to be available to the public to forward proposals. We will consult them further and update the final version.

Q: What was the response you received from slum dwellers?

A: There were efforts by certain political parties and groups to mislead them but they have already understood the truth. They have understood that the government is trying to provide them housing and not shift or relocate them. President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa explained it to them and made them realize this.

People have expectations now. They want to be provided with the basic needs. They believe that this government is capable of delivering their needs. They expect us to deliver. Although they are suspicious of all politicians as a whole, they will nevertheless give us a chance to deliver.

Q: What will be your first few tasks after becoming Mayor?

A: We will implement our 100 day programme. We have already informed the people about our 100 day programme and clearly specified all details in our manifesto.

Q: What do you think about the future of the UNP after the CMC election?

A: I do not wish to make any comment on the UNP. The UNP does not matter to us now.

Q: What is your message to CMC citizens?

A: I tell Colombo citizens to have trust in us and give us just four years. We will deliver what you want us to deliver.

The problems have been there for 50 years. The list of key issues of the CMC spelled out in 1962, has not changed at all. The issues are still there without any change or solutions. Give us four years and see the change. President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and myself can deliver all the demands of the Colombo people.