This regime needs to be overthrown We need a new government to save and serve the people - Srinath Perera

Former Provincial Councillor and senior United National Party (UNP) member Srinath Perera is contesting in the upcoming PC elections from the Western Province. A lawyer by profession, he has been involved in politics for over a decade. In an interview wit

Q As a senior party member, how do you plan to lead the UNP into victory at the upcoming PC elections?

To answer your question, I will present a simple logic. The present government has destroyed the economy of this country. They have made the rule of law disappear. The existence of the rule of law is a necessity for any civilised society but this government is openly violating the rule of law. The cost of living has sky rocketed. The country is burdened with eternal debt which is nearly impossible to get out of. So any right thinking, sensible people should realise that this government needs to be overthrown and a new government must come into place in order to save our nation.

The first step in that direction is for the UNP to come to power on a provincial level, at least as a warning to the present regime that has been ruining the country for so many years. Unless the people are completely blind to the critical and dangerous state that the country is in right now, they would not bring this government into power again.

If the UNP is elected at this election, we will bring about a positive change at the provincial level. That would be the stepping stone to a better regime. We will ensure that the misdeeds committed by the former provincial council are controlled if not eliminated and we will warrant the proper functioning of the Western Provincial Council which is currently a defunct unit. We will change the setup and bring an effective regime to serve and save the people of the country.

Q What would be the priorities of the UNP, if the party does manage to secure a victory at the PC elections?

We don’t promise to build palaces for every citizen of the country but we will provide the citizens with basic needs such as three square meals a day, medicine and healthcare, a convenient transportation system and a decent education for children. We will ensure that there is rule of law and the law treats all citizens equally and fairly. Being in a country which is drowning in debt, we will improve production levels and find a solution to the problem of unemployment, especially among the youth. I am not saying this will be easy due to the messy state the country is in right now. But the UNP is definitely up to the challenge. It is only the UNP which is capable of bringing complete change to this nation. Therefore, I appeal to the voters not to refrain from voting for the UNP, simply because of the shortcomings of the party. If you do that, you will not only destroy yourself but also the future of the country. Time is running out and I ask the voters to ensure that the UNP is brought back to power to make a positive change.

Q So, what are the changes you propose to bring about development and positive changes in the country?

The present system has contributed largely to the degeneration of the Sri Lankan society. This situation needs to be changed immediately.

Firstly, I believe that we must bring back the 17th Amendment which is a need of the hour in order to bring back the rule of law and justice in the country.

Secondly we must abolish – not just rename but completely abolish – the executive presidential system. It is true that it was the UNP which introduced the executive presidency but what is practised in the country is not the kind of presidency that was introduced by J.R. Jayawardene in 1978. It is substantially different because the Constitution has been changed 18 times since then. We gave it a try but in the hands of this rogue government it has become dangerous.

Another change that is essential is the abolishment of the preferential voting system and the district system. This has resulted in absolute corruption. Recently I was informed that certain candidates’ budget is as much as Rs. 50 million. And that is just for the PC and not even for parliamentary elections. So once these candidates are elected to the PC, their main goal is to earn back at least part of the money which they have spent. This is done through bribery and corruption which pollutes the whole system. Meanwhile, the honest, people-friendly hopefuls who cannot afford such expensive election campaign are left behind while corrupt people rise to the top.

It is time that people open their eyes to this reality and the way they can fight against this injustice is by casting their votes wisely.

Q With the internal conflicts in your party, are you confident that the UNP can win the PC elections?

It is true that there are some conflicts in the party. But what party doesn’t have conflicts? The government has many more conflicts than the UNP. The only difference is that the government is able to hide their internal conflicts because they are in power whereas the conflicts in the UNP are constantly brought into the limelight because we are in the opposition.

However, the main goal of the voters should be to change the current regime. So a wise voter must not focus on the minor conflicts and the flaws of the UNP but must look at the big picture. The people of this country need a change and UNP is the party which can bring about that change. Therefore, if people refrain from voting for the UNP simply because of the internal conflicts in the party, it will only strengthen the present regime and allow it to continue the destruction of the nation. So people must decide for themselves whether they want the country to perish or prosper.

Conflicts might be present but the UNP is working to minimise the issues within the party and we will make sure that those who are

Conflicts might be present but the UNP is working to minimise the issues within the party and we will make sure that those who are creating conflicts will fall in line to ensure unity within the party.

It is always good to see young people entering the political arena. However, a good percentage of the young candidates from the UPFA are either sons or daughters of politicians or their close relatives. Just because you come from a political family, doesn’t mean that you are qualified to enter politics. What we see in the ruling party is the outdated feudal system – the continuity of political generations. creating conflicts will fall in line to ensure unity within the party.

Q What is your view about allegations of election law violations which are prevalent at this time?

In the past we have had free and fair elections but not anymore. The governing party conducts elections they way they want. Who is there to regulate the elections and make sure that laws are safeguarded? We have a subservient police and a public service. Backbone of the judiciary has been broken. Therefore election law violations take place freely.

Q This upcoming election has seen many young – and somewhat inexperienced – candidates entering the political fray. What are your thoughts about this trend?

It is always good to see young people entering the political arena. However, a good percentage of the young candidates from the UPFA are either sons or daughters of politicians or their close relatives. Just because you come from a political family, doesn’t mean that you are qualified to enter politics. What we see in the ruling party is the outdated feudal system – the continuity of political generations.

Q It is not just the UPFA that has sons/daughters and close relatives of politicians joining the political fray. Your own party has given nominations to such people as well, hasn’t it?

The UNP might have a few offspring and family members of party members contesting in the elections but they are all qualified. I am not saying that just because you are related to a politician, you shouldn’t enter politics. But those who do should be those who are honest, honourable and those who have good principles and a great calibre.

However, with the UPFA you don’t see that. You see many youngsters whose only qualification is that they are related to a politician of the party.

Q Do you feel threatened by the young candidates who are contesting in PC elections?

No, not at all. I welcome young people with outstretched arms regardless of their race, religion, cast, creed and wealth. We are seniors and we cannot be engaged in politics forever. We need young people, especially to end this present tyrannical regime. So it is essential that they are ready to take over from us.

Q Has the party decided on a Chief Ministerial candidate yet?

No, not yet. I think the party will decide that after the elections.

Q Do you believe that you - being a senior in the party and an experienced provincial councillor - are a suitable candidate for this position?

I don’t need positions. As long as I can serve the poorest of the poor of this country and make a contribution to the betterment of their lives, I will be content.