‘I’m sure people will rally round me’ - NALIN PRADEEP UDUWELA

Award-winning actor Nalin Pradeep Uduwela is contesting at the forthcoming provincial council election, under the Democratic Party. In a discussion with Daily Mirror he expressed his displeasure towards the current government for its failure to address th

Q: Why did you decide to contest from the Democratic Party? Weren’t there invitations from any other parties?

I have had many invitations from other parties. But I joined with General Sarath Fonseka’s party because I was unhappy about the way the government treated heroes like him. There is a lot of dissatisfaction about the way the government acted after the war victory. If the government could mistreat our leader Sarath Fonseka in that manner, how can we be sure it will take care of the general public? This is why I decided to join hands with the Democratic Party.

Q: Was your political journey an abrupt start?

No, I have been with Sarath Fonseka even before the inception of the Democratic Party. As a sensitive artiste, I feel the need of this country to come forward in the name of democracy. As a result of it, I was appointed as organiser for Homagama District. It wasn’t a hasty decision.

Q: What is your opinion with regard to the work done by the current government to artistes?

I’m not happy. The government hasn’t done any thing for the benefit of the artists. We do not have proper theaters to show our drama. The state drama festival which is conducted every year had to be halted as John de Silva theatre was demolished. When we go outstations, drama crews face to many difficulties. The government has not addressed any of these issues.

Q: If you get elected what are the plans you have for the Western Province?

The party has specific plans aimed at many areas. So I will be working according to the plans we have envisaged. I will especially focus on the wellbeing of the fellow artists. I will also be keen on infrastructure development.

Q: What is your opinion with regarding to the current culture of popular artistes contesting for elections?

Since the government knows that it is at a threat they are trying to get cheap publicity by presenting personalities who are even not suitable to be in such a profession.

Q: What is your opinion with regard to the allegations levelled at Sri Lanka by the International Community, especially with regard to Human Rights violations?

The government is clearly misleading the International community. From what I have read and heard from the media, there seem to be many issues which are not properly addressed by the government. They can not continuously deceive the entire world. Time has come to face the reality.

Q: Are you positive about yours and your party’s victory?

As artistes we are trained in a way to acce pt everything. Therefore, I am willing to accept any result. But I know that a lot of people would rally round me. I have made an impact through my career, so I am positive I will win. The Democratic Party will have a huge success undoubtedly. People are oppressed and tortured enough, and this is the best opportunity they have got. For these reasons, I am very positive about my personal victory and a significant victory for the entire party.