JHU will sign new agreement if it is acceptable: Champika

He are excerpts of a Q & A with Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka, General Secretary of the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU.

ON THE RECENT EVENTS AT THE WESTERN PROVINCIAL COUNCIL: They conducted themselves clearly against the mandate given by the people to President Sirisena and Premier Wickremesinghe. If there is cohabitation of partners in the UNF Government, then it is only logical that it should extend to Provincial Councils as well. There should be harmony and power sharing. Before the Chief Minister took over, we held key ministries. Under the present Chief Minister, only one portfolio, unfortunately was given to us. The Mahinda Rajapaksa clan tried to unsettle the new administration. There were two attempts to move our ministers. We resisted them. That included a no confidence motion on one of the ministers.

When we recruit to the provincial Ministry of Health, we follow procedures laid down by the centre. The Rajapaksa camp wanted to show their strength. It is relevant to mention that the UNF won the entire Western Province. That clearly shows that the WPC had no proper mandate. He was appointed by the President and he is there because we supported. The Chief Minister does not care about them. He interfered with other ministers as well. It is up to the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) to study this situation. If there is a grand alliance at the top, then there should be one at the PCs too. They don’t understand cohabitation.

MEETING WITH THE PRESIDENT: During a meeting with the President, we conveyed our concerns. Some sections were more anti-Ranil. This is a clear opposition to good governance. We are not bothered. We will help when good things are done. We will act as an independent entity.

ON A NEW CONSTITUTION FOR SRI LANKA: What is now being envisaged is the creation of a Select Committee of 225 members to draft a new Constitution. This is what is being referred to as the Constitutional Council. Premier Wickremesinghe’s formula is a democratic thing.

FUTURE ROLE OF THE JHU: We will sign the two documents which are under preparation if they are acceptable to us. We will continue to play our role. Earlier, we had only signed an MoU. We pledge to protect the mandate given by the people.

THE BUDGET PROPOSALS: The people are frustrated. Most of the leading figures and organisations that supported President Sirisena/Premier Wickremesinghe are strongly critical of the budget. This is a very unfortunate situation.