‘I want to stand up and expose injustices’ UDARA RATNAYAKE

Udara Ratnayake- actor and son of veteran Film Director Benette Ratnayake–is one of the aspiring young politicians who has entered the tussle of the upcoming provincial council polls. In his interview with Daily Mirror , he talked about his decision to en

Q: Tell us why you want to become involved in politics?

I made this decision after doing a lot of thinking. In fact, I have been laying the groundwork over the past several years to enter the political arena. In order to advance my journey in politics, I chose to follow my graduate studies on Development and Politics. Moreover, I became involved with the UNP and its activities during the past several years and I am the Vice President of the UNP affiliated - Young Professionals Association (YPA).

I admit however that my entrance to politics was hastened as a result of the present situation in the country due to rampant corruption and lawlessness. Under present circumstances where the vast majority has resorted to supporting the government in their corrupt acts, I decided it’s time to stand up and expose the injustices.

Q: Why did you choose to contest from the UNP? Considering the present internal clashes in the party, do you believe it is a wise choice?

As I mentioned before, the main reason was my determination to oppose the present system of governance. I can’t understand how anyone with a conscience could support the corrupt actions of this government. They claim to develop the country but there is no transparency in any of the projects. I would have been compelled to betray my conscience if I was to side with the government.

Q: Aren’t you exploiting your popularity as an actor to win votes?

I am not planning to depend on my popularity or my outer appearance to win the people’s trust. My intention to expose corruption and fight for justice is genuine. I believe I have been able to build confidence in me among the public through my involvement with the activities of the UNP and in my capacity as vice president of the YPA. I am planning to build on the trust the public has kept in me and I believe they will support my sincere objectives. So if one chooses to call that an ‘exploitation’, then yes, I shall be guilty as charged. But they can rest assured that it is only done in order to do good for the society. Moreover, I am planning to continue my services to the public in my capacity, irrelevant of whether or not I am elected.

Q: What are your views concerning the present trend of artistes entering the political fray from nowhere? It has spurred accusations that most of those who are presently involved in politics do so with expectations of gaining personal benefits. Were the perks a deciding factor in your decision to enter politics?

I think the abrupt decisions that certain artistes have made to enter politics – the sudden patriotism they have developed towards the country, is a reflection of the bankruptcy in their relevant professions. Therefore, it is obvious that the only motivational factor to be involved with politics is the personal gains. I know that I’m also prone to be identified with many other artistes who are just ambitious in making personal gains by entering the field of politics. But anyone can see that my position in politics is quite different from them. It is quite obvious to anyone that I have set foot into politics not to seek personal benefit. I don’t think it’s possible for any individual with ethics to pledge his or her support to a government as corrupt as this.

I am a businessman by profession and not a professional actor. Politics at present can be a lucrative business – but not for those who engage in it with genuine intentions. Personally speaking, contesting at the upcoming elections will incur losses for me as it would divert my attention off my businesses. But I am willing to take that risk in order to act for the betterment of the public. I am not worried about my future losses. I wish to stand up for what is right and I am confident of my ability to do so.

Q: What are the issues you have prioritised to be addressed pertaining to the Western Province if you are elected?

I plan to initiate a youth-based development program. I represent the youth and they are a segment of the society that is seldom addressed. The youth are the future of this country and it is time their involvement in the decision making processes of this country improved.

I will be releasing a manifesto within the coming weeks, which would contain a detailed programme that is wholly dedicated to educating and empowering the youth of this country. I have prioritised education since it is only through a sound education that the public will be enlightened to take a stand against the injustices and the rightful.

Q: What are your views concerning the rapid development carried out in the Colombo city? Do you feel there are other issues that should be prioritised before the beautification of the city?

As I mentioned earlier, the development carried out by this government is a ruse to impress the public and cover their weaknesses. Beautification of the city is a luxury that we as a nation cannot afford at present, because of several other burning issues that have burdened the public on many fronts.

We are still a developing nation and addressing issues such as youth unemployment – because although the government boasts to have brought down unemployment rates, youth unemployment still soars as high as 14% - industry development and poverty should be prioritised. The funds that are being spend on beautifying the city could have been channeled towards the construction of government subsidised factories that would have generated employment opportunities or towards constructing better homes for those slumdwellers and the homeless.

Although there are a few positive elements to the steps taken by the government at present, more needs to be done and beautification of the city is definitely a project that should have been prioritised much later down the line.

Q: What are your future political aspirations?

My main goal at present is to empower the youth and I will be focusing my full attention on the goal. Moreover, I have also initiated a movement to build racial and racial and religious harmony in the country. As a primary step, I have created the concept of a ‘citizen committee’ which we are planning to promote in every city. It would operate in the manner of a conflict resolution center and promote racial/ religious and ethnic integration. The first of its kind will be established in Colombo in a few days.

I have many more plans for the welfare of the citizens of this country and I am determined to implement them systematically – at least in my personal capacity, irrelevant of whether or not I am elected to the provincial election.