Opportunity now open to serve people after joining govt - Dr Mahesh Atapattu

Yasaratne Gamage

Now I am under a leader with a backbone and a person who can guide the country against all evil forces. Not only me but a three quarter of DNP members are with me and share the same belief. It is a great opportunity for us to join the government where we can honestly work for the betterment of the people, said founder member and former Democratic National Party Deputy Leader and Vice President Dr Mahesh Atapattu in an interview with the Daily News recently. He pointed out his wise decision in joining the government and said if not otherwise, an opportunity to serve the country would have been missed.

Here are the extracts of the interview:

Q: How do you see the Opposition’s behaviour regarding the government’s development efforts?

They must support the government unconditionally if they honestly want the well being of the people because the government is on the right tract towards making Sri Lanka the Wonder of Asia in keeping with the Mahinda Chinthanaya.

Instead, the Opposition including Ranil and Sarath Fonseka, are criticising the government’s efforts to fulfill their selfish goals and lust for power which they could not get for nearly two decades.

Q: How do you see Sarath Fonseka’s moves in the present environment?

There is no party to back him and all have left him. Fonseka is alone and his stubborn nature and baseless attitudes have taken him there. When the war ended, Sarath Fonseka gained popularity but even a child can realize that the victory against the LTTE was a joint effort by the Army, Air Force, Navy, Police and the CSD under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.

But Ranil and Fonseka attempted to fish in muddy water.

A person can not think of his ambitions if he truly wants to serve the country.

It is the security and well being of the people which is the most important aspect.

Q: Please comment on the government’s progress in the post-war period?

There have been tremendous progress in development in every sphere with international recognition for the government’s efforts in bringing normalcy to the North and East. There are certain groups whose only intention is to tarnish the UPFA government but despite all resistance, the forward march continues and we as educated individuals should assist the government.

We have to protect our motherland.

Only then can we have an environment to argue and discuss regardless of our party.

Q: What would be the UNP’s and DNP’s fate?

There is nothing to talk about regarding their future because Ranil has already destroyed the UNP and he is now waiting for the last MP to leave the party.

On the other hand, Sarath Fonseka has with his arrogant nature, caused the main activists and pioneers of the party to leave and join the government. They can only sling mud and attack with baseless allegations to which people no longer listen.

Q: There are accusations that you joined the government seeking financial benefits? Comment.

I left the DNP because I honestly can no longer stand Fonseka’s hatred towards the government. Sarath Fonseka still can not understand that Ranil used him to protect his Opposition leadership escaping the blame of another defeat at the last Presidential Election. Furthermore, Sarath Fonseka was a soldier and does not posses qualities to be a politician.

He cannot lead the common people as President Mahinda Rajapaksa has proved. He was able to defeat terrorism and

continued to protect the people continuing the development process.

I realized that our duty must be to join with the government and actively be involved in the development process with the government, because I truly want to serve the people.

Now I am under a leader with a backbone and a person who can guide the country against all evil forces. Not only me but three quarter of DNP members are with me and share the same belief. It is a great opportunity for us to join the government where we can honestly work for the betterment of the people.