“The President has indicated a preference for a SLFP led govt”

12 August 2015 06:45 pm - 0 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The North Western Province Chief Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara is contesting at the general elections in the Kurunegala District on the the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) ticket. At an interview,he said that his party would win comfortably and that there was no need to talk about a national government. Excerpts of the interview.

Dayasiri Jayasekara

Q How far have you progressed in the election campaign?
The arrival of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa as a candidate in the Kurunegala District, gave a fresh impetus to the campaign of the UPFA. In village areas, we see a groundswell of support through well attended pocket meetings and major election rallies. We are planning to win comfortably. We all are united for the purpose.

QIn your view, how many Parliamentary seats will the UPFA get compared to the other parties in the fray?
The UPFA will get nine seats, the united National Party (UNP) five. We believe the UPFA can get 116 seats at the elections. It is enough for the formation of a government.

Q Yet, President Maitripala Sirisena said in his speech he would consider someone other than Mr. Rajapaksa as PM in the event the UPFA won. Is there any uncertainty in this regard?
It is a matter to be discussed at that stage. First we have to win at the elections. After that, we will discuss it with the President. I do not think it will be a problem. The people’s mandate has to be respected in the end.

Q There is a question of the UFPA getting the minority votes this time. It happened at the presidential election. How do you see it?
There is an alienation of the minority votes as a whole. But, the traditional vote base of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (UPFA) remains intact. Yet, we have to win over new voters from the minority communities.

Q Do you see Mr. Rajapaksa’s entry as a threat to you in getting preferential votes?
There is no tussle between him and me for preferential votes. He will obviously get more votes than I shall at this election given his stature and the volume of work he did for this country. In fact I also canvass preferential votes for him. My interest is to ensure that the UPFA gets more votes. There is no truth in the allegation that I am opposed to Mr. Rajapaksa’s plan to contest in Colombo. Kurunegala is a Sinhala majority district. Therefore, it is a better political ground for him as a leader.

QWhy did you decide to contest at the elections despite being the chief minister?
I want to enter Parliament and devote my time to national politics

Q There is talk about the formation of a national government after the election. Will you accept a portfolio in such a government?
I do not think that this question will arise. We are confident of getting the required majority to form a government of our own. So, there is no need to talk about the formation of the national government. The President has also indicated his preference to have a government led by the SLFP.

Q It is said that a UPFA team will defect after the election and team up with the UNP to forma national government with the blessings of the President. You were also a member who backed the President. Will you do so after the election?
I have no intention of leaving Mr. Rajapaksa. But, there is a malicious propaganda going on against me. It has been triggered by the fierce competition for preferential votes.

Q In your view, why should people vote for the UPFA?
A lot development was seen during the last period [ of government]. Today, most of these projects are at a standstill. We have to resume work on them afresh. Also, those in the agriculture sector have not benefited.

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“The President has indicated a preference for a SLFP led govt”

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