You are concentrating heavily on economic matters in your election campaign. Why is that?
The economy is especially affecting the people of the Western Province. Especially in my electorate in Biyagama, small business holders are finding it difficult to continue with their businesses. The rising prices of food have also affected families in this area. So there are many economic factors which are affecting the people in the province. This is why I am bringing up these issues.
Don’t you think the war, the main campaign slogan of government candidates, is also an important issue for voters in the WPC?
Yes, it is definitely a big issue. But what we are telling the voters is that there is no link between the war and the WPC election. The war is carried out by our soldiers while this election is to elect provincial councillors to carryout the necessary work for the people of this province. What we are saying is that if the WPC is won by the UNP, it wouldn’t affect the war effort in anyway.
This is the first time you are contesting an election. How much work do you think you can do for the people through the PC system?
Lots of people say the PCs are white elephants. But if the right people are elected to the Provincial Councils, a lot of work can be done. Each candidate gets about five million rupees to utilize for work for their areas. You can do a lot through the system. You need to build the people’s confidence in the councils and if the right people are elected, a lot can be done.
The fact that you belong to a well-known political family is highlighted in your election campaign. Will it win favour with the voters?
Yes definitely. My family has its roots in the Gampaha district. The Wijewardene side of my family has deep-seated links with Kelaniya and Biyagama from Helena Wijewardena onwards. The Senanayake family, from my mother’s side, has its roots in Mirigama. All these areas are in the Gampaha district.
If you take the country as a whole, people are fed up of the current political system. Corruption is rampant and people have lost confidence in the political system. I think the people will welcome the change if we bring back the ideals of D.S.Senanayake and Dudley Senanayake.
The UNP has not fared too well in the provincial council elections held in the recent past? What is your assessment for the party in the WP?
The war factor is an issue in this election but so are economic factors. If the people are educated about what is happening in the country, the UNP can definitely win the election. During this last week if we push hard and get the message across to the people, then we can definitely win this election.
|
E-mail