Ajith Talangamaarachchi is a former member of the WPC from the JVP. He says that in his years as a member of the Council he has witnessed the poor management of public funds in the WPC. Here are excerpts of the interview:
Q: What obstacles are you facing in the Kalutara district?
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| Ajith Talangamaarachchi |
A: There is a gross violation of election laws by candidates of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) but we in the JVP despite the provocations and the odds against us are carrying out a lawful campaign. About 14 of our offices have been attacked and we have lodged complaints with the police and in some instances identified those responsible. But little or no action has been taken so far. In the latest incident an attempt was made by some thugs connected to the government to run over some of our members who were putting up posters of our murdered comrade Nandana Balage. They narrowly escaped death.
Q: What is your message to the voters in the district?
A: In the Western Province as a whole, a large amount of money is collected as taxes by the Council. This is the money that is used to develop the education, health, highways and agriculture and other sectors in the area. What we say is that we need people who will not rob the people’s money and instead use this money to provide proper services to the people. The government is heading down the wrong path and must be made to feel the pinch for its wrong doings. The people can do this by voting against the UPFA.
Q: The war is the slogan of many government candidates. How much will the fight against the LTTE influence voters in the area?
A: Initially people were very supportive of the war efforts and we all agree terrorism has to be eradicated militarily. But now people understand that the government is trying to take undue advantage of the successes achieved by the military. People are also wondering why the government is having elections at a time when we are on the threshold of winning the fight against terrorism. What elections have done is divide the people who were united against the war on terror on the basis of political parties and candidates due to the preferential votes. Another issue is the high cost of living.
Q: What changes can people expect if they vote for the JVP and not either of the two main parties?
A: If people vote for the JVP, the best thing that will happen is that the people’s tax money will be put to good use. There are corruption charges against the former Chief Minister. Money meant for various projects was misused. The JVP will ensure the people’s money will be used with utmost care. We in the JVP do not take our salaries. Neither have we taken the vehicles permits we are entitled to as PC members. We have managed to stop some of the overseas visits that were to be undertaken by some of the UNP and UPFA PC members and used that money for development projects. I used a motor cycle to come to work before I became a PC member in 2004 and even today I use it. With the JVP, people will get an honest and efficient administration for the WPC. |
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