Firebrand in motion

“As a child, I visited Sri Lanka annually to see my grandparents and now it is a regular Christmas and New Year destination for my family and I,” says Chamali Fernando. She says "most Sri Lankans living in London think Colombo is the best place to be for New Year's Eve and apart from the mosquitoes who seem to prefer me over anyone else in my family, Colombo has an alluring and vibrant atmosphere on New Year's Eve."

Having studied at the University College London she obtained an LLB Honours Degree and developed an interest in politics as it was "one of the most frequently discussed subjects at the family dinner table.” Chamali recalls as a child, how Sunday mornings were spent watching Sir David Frost on television while he "poured over" the Sunday newspapers and interviewed politicians. It was only after studying British Government and Politics (Advanced Level), during five-months of her gap year, that Chamali claims to have developed a proper understanding of the subject.

What motivated Chamali to stand for political office was because she was fed up of being an armchair politician, complaining about the quality of politicians, who were often so mentally distant from society."About seven years ago, my family and I were listening to the radio and something was mentioned about the Mayor of London and I recall telling my father that the Mayor of London would be such a fulfilling role for me. I love London; it is a magnetic city, home to people from all over the world, with so much to see and do. I truly want all Londoners to experience everything London has to offer."

"I have had a fantastic cultural and educational experience in London and now I feel it is time for me to give something back to this great city. At the time, my father dismissed the idea, but a few years ago, I mooted it again and well, I guess, now I am a few steps closer. It does of course help to be born into a supportive family who understands politics and are politically motivated. Without this I doubt that a political career would have even been on my radar. Along the way, I have been inspired by many female politicians." Her campaign website refers to her father Sumal Creasey Fernando, a solicitor advocate who made political history by becoming the first Sri Lankan to contest a UK parliamentary seat, Leicester West in the 1983 election. In 1987, he contested Nottingham North.

In a male dominated arena, having a female in the race, displays the change in British politics. If she wins she will create history as being the first ever female Mayor of London. When Chamali was eight-years-old, she was invited along with her family to the home of Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike, the world's first female Prime Minister. "At the time, I don't think I fully appreciated what an opportunity it was to be meeting the first woman to hold the office of Prime Minister in the world." The Liberal Democrats have the youngest female Members of Parliament in England, Wales and Scotland. She truly feels that determination and self-belief have given her the passion and drive to achieve a better deal for Londoners.

To win in London, the Liberal Democrats need to appeal to a wider proportion of the electorate. The turnout in the London elections is traditionally less than 40% and a high turnout will be key to a Liberal Democrat victory in London. However Chamali pointed out that "In England, even the weather can have a surprisingly strong impact on turnout at elections."

Chamali is particularly passionate about reducing child poverty in London, however recognizing the fact that if she is elected Mayor of London, transport would have to be the number one priority as it affects all Londoners, and London has recently suffered from a series of strikes on the underground, signal failures and delays. Having only undertaken temporary voluntary work in Sri Lanka she says "I have not had the opportunity to spend an extended period of time there. My trips have only been short holidays."

If elected Mayor of London, she aims to make transport, housing, the environment, crime and the Olympics, her top five policy priorities. Chamali went onto say that, "Being referred to as a "firebrand" by some of the British press does not trouble me. I think if you want to make a difference in politics you have to possess a certain level of determination, and the ability and desire to make a difference. London is desperate for change and I believe I have the radical ideas to empower Londoners to achieve change."

Outside work and politics, Chamali takes part and produces a show with a barristers' acting group and enjoys reading journals such as Prospect, Counsel and The Ecologist. She loves watching Who Dunnit Murder Mysteries on television, reading P.G. Wodehouse novels and eating out with friends. "In 1999 I discovered Charles Campion's Rough Guide to Eating Out, In London, and I have tried almost all of his recommendations!"

Chamali has been a long standing campaigner for the Liberal Democrats - first leafleting when she was knee-high. Since then she has been out campaigning at every general election, most by-elections and many council elections and has memberships with the Liberal Democrat Lawyers Association, Liberty Network and Connect and is Head of Events for the Liberal Democrat London Region Youth Group.

As for where she would see herself in 10 years time, Chamali responds "the inner desire to achieve one's goals could be lost in the communication of them." Recently, Chamali appeared on BBC News 24 (October 18, 2007) where she commented on a variety of nationwide topics, particularly age discrimination in British politics, the poor state of cleanliness in Britain's hospitals which she said was a result of Labour Party Government-led unrealistic and unachievable targets diverting the attention of medical staff away from caring for patients, into paperwork and trying to meet targets.

Chamali further commenting on the European Union Reform Treaty which is a politically devised debate in England at the moment and the question remains as to whether the UK Government should hold a referendum on agreeing to the European Reform Treaty.

Chamali stated that the issue was far deeper than simply asking the British public to vote in favour or against a document purporting to be a new European Constitution, but stated that the real issue was whether the people of Great Britain want to continue as a Member State of the European Union.