Q Is it true that as expressed by certain UNP Ministers and MPs, that this is the result of two different ideologies being represented in the government?
There is some truth in that. It is opportune to come out of this political frame even though it is an arduous task. This is something unusual for many. Viewing from outside it is natural that there are issues, but overall; leaving aside this system of change of government, ground work had been done for far-reaching development of the country which may not be visible to the naked eye.
Q For a government which laboured for two years to lay the foundation, could they complete the brick work and put up the roof in the next three years?
We have to prove it at the end of this year, failing which, there may be severe issues.
Q The Minister of Telecommunication portfolio is a powerful position in any government, but recently you had stated that you were a Minister only by name. Your views on this...
This portfolio is governed by the stock market. The Telecommunication Regulatory Commission is not under me. As the Minister of Telecommunication, I only have the Sri Lanka Telecom under my purview, however, I have no official status there and I can give only directions and no authority for approvals. Frankly speaking, it is only in name that I am a Minister.
Q The incumbent President’s brother is the Chairman of Sri Lanka Telecom, is he considered 
more powerful than the Minister?
Yes, the CEO is more powerful than him. He is officially empowered with the authority to sign.
Q Then what is your position in the ministry?
That is what I brought up before the executive committee and expressed my desire to resign from the post of Minister. I begged before the Prime Minister to make me the Chief Minister of Uva instead. I was told it was not possible.
Q Do you remember that you were holding the promise to provide free internet browsing just before the Yahapalanaya government was established?
Yes, it was promised during the 100-day programme. Free Wi-Fi is presently in operation, following discussions with the companies who provide internet services. It is true that the services provided by the companies are limited. Those companies who provided this service freely are being subjected to heavy taxes. This has created much issues, as they are being taxed for a service given free. We have no right to compel them to provide free service in the face of heavy taxes. This has not happened in any part of the world. In the face of accusations of heavy taxes being imposed on internet facilities, I can say positively that I had no hand in levying this tax. People with some sense would definitely realize that the Minister in charge of Telecommunication has had no intervention in this matter.
Q Free Wi-Fi, Google Loon and the Tax on internet have been subjected to many allegations. Don’t you feel that these are scuttling your political acumen?
Yes, I have now realized that a politician who shot into fame is now at the forefront of public antipathy. This I knew from the day I became Minister. This is my Challenge.
Q The UNP leadership recently announced that the party reorganization should be expedited. Do you think that you would get more responsibility within?
At the recent working committee meeting, I directly hinted that according to my conscience, we must consider what went wrong during the past two years, and that I firmly believed that the party has taken correct decisions at all times.
Q The SLFP Minister who came from the same electorate as you recently declared that a fraud eclipsing the CB Bond scam had taken place in your Ministry. How do you respond to this?
He was very careful by the choice of his words. Indirectly he hinted that I was connected. I was surprised as to why he spared me. There is no truth in that. When considering the air time allowed to the particular media channel, one can assume the necessity of this channel to portray this matter. If there was a fraud, they could haul me up or the particular individual they mentioned before the courts. I am at a loss to understand why attempts are being made to thwart an opportunity that was made available to our country by a most powerful international institute.
Q Despite the government and joint opposition members exchanging blows in public, recently social media published a series of pictures of Ministers and MPs embracing each other. Is it a part of the drama?
As a firm believer in the adage “that all prisoners are humans”. So I can only say that all politicians are humans too.
Q Did you say recently that those who became Ministers with the blessings of Badulla voting public were handing over job opportunities, while you languish without such authority?
Honestly I am frustrated, because at the last elections Mahinda Rajapakse came first in the list of preferential votes, second was Ranil Wickremesinghe, and next I stood at the third slot. A man from Colombo winning the confidence of the masses in Badulla was something I never expected, but being unable to do something for them during the past 17 months, I now feel dejected. Any way I continue to visit them in Badulla. I remain in my office there and do not travel to the interior as a fear is constantly preventing me from doing so. I am afraid that I cannot go to them as Harin once again.
Q Are you hinting that the government you strived to build, has now let you down?
I reserve my opinion on that matter.
Q There is a rumour to say that you would contest from Gampaha next time...
After a period of five years, I am thinking of taking a political decision. If I fail in that, the most challenging decision, then I would consider that politics is not my way. I cannot go before the people and say I am at fault and beg for their votes saying that I would correct it next time. I cannot tell them a lie.
Q Do you say that a future Parliament would be without Harin Fernando?
I got involved in some work during the past few days, and if they turn around, my political aim would not fail. I am not keen to bring the people of Badulla to Colombo, but to take the job opportunities that are available in Colombo to Badulla. I pleaded with the people to give me time till the end of this year, before that I shall do something for them.
Q It appears from what you say that you feel dejected in the political arena. Any particular reason that drove you to think as such?
When I realised that the masses still had trust in me, I felt very sorry for them. After meeting 1,000 to 1,500 people in my office, I became so sad and it brought tears from my eyes.
Q In the proposed Cabinet reshuffle, would there be a change in your portfolio?
I have laid the foundation for it and there might be issues in the event of a change, which is preferable. This would pave the way for
new creativity.
Q Was it the UNP that was not in favour of the local govt. elections?
No, we of the UNP are very much in favour of having the elections early. There is no disagreement between the two parties.
Q Last Friday there was an unpleasant scene in Parliament, and as a Minister, what is your opinion?
I was away in Badulla at that time and therefore, I did not attend the sessions.
Q It was shown over the TV channels...
For the past two months, I did not watch TV news.
Q The UNP Ministers and MPs led by the leader of the House left the chamber protesting the decision of the Speaker to allow more time for the Opposition. This is the first time in the history that the government members flouted the orders of the Speaker and walked out. Is it morally correct?
In politics one cannot find fault with it. The Joint Opposition had brought disrespect to the House on many occasions. I too was once an Opposition member. When the JO attempted to get the Parliament to act according to their whims and fancies, it was natural for the government group to act in that manner. I do not see anything wrong in that.
Q However, the JO maintains that it was the UNP that made the opposition weak within Parliament. What are your comments on this?
It is not so, the question is what right the opposition has. The so-called group is responsible for the abuse of political morals in Sri Lanka. This group is bent on creating instability in the country, leading to a situation of anarchy. This group, while being in the government, created dissension in all other parties and destroyed them. These are the very people who brought in a Constitutional Amendment to hold the post of President until their death. This opposition group now claiming for their rights and privileges are completely a mockery and it’s a joke!
Q When the present PM was the then leader of the opposition, do you remember that he stood for the rights of the opposition?
Yes, most certainly.
Q Could you recall the last occasion when the present opposition leader spoke in Parliament? I have seen and heard him speaking in Parliament during debates and expressing his views. For the success of any Parliament there should be a forceful opposition. When we were in the opposition and attacked the government, there was much interest and it added decorum to the House.
Q What is the position now?
The JO too has the right to speak. The issue of theirs is not with us but with their own party. They 
should sort out those issues with their party leaders and not bring them to Parliament and harm its sanctity.
Q Who will be nominated as the Presidential candidate in 2020?
Who thought that Maithripala Sirisena would become the candidate for presidency until November 2014. There is still time left and it’s absurd rushing to conclusions early.
Q Do you infer that in 2020 there would be a presidential poll?
Yes, definitely.
Q Mr. Minister, the Yahapalanaya government and Maithri rule emerged saying no more executive presidency. We would like to query your views on this...
That is true, what I say is that it would be possible if this system does not change.
Q Does the UNP still continue to represent Arjuna Mahendran?
Do not say such things. Have you seen anything of that sort? You may have seen some are doing that, but not everybody. Do not harm the dignity of the party when making such allegations.
