The Dailymirror recently had an interview with Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam on the current political situation in the country. Excerpts;
Q Protests and conditions of agitation have alarmingly conquered the whole of Sri Lanka. Does this reflect the government’s incapability?
The shadows of the previous administration are behind all these protests.
Q Do you think the protest at the Hambantota port was also in the same line?
Like the protest in the port, where ever there are protests, they are shadowed by those in the joint opposition (JO). All these unpleasant situations are instigated by them. They oppose our actions of paying off the colossal debt incurred by the former government, and are also against our efforts of developing the country. They are doing all these under the cover of ‘democracy’ that is now prevalent in the country. No one is prevented from resorting to this type of action.
Q Though you infer the JO is behind the protest at the port, even the minister in-charge of Ports and the Ports Authority Chairman were against the leasing of the HambantotaPort to the Chinese.
I do not think their opposition was the issue. They may have different opinions. Minister Arjuna was present at the Cabinet meeting when this issue was discussed. We cannot oppose it as the money borrowed for this construction cannot be passed on to the people. We had to take a decision to restructure it so that the people would not be further burdened.
QUnder this pact, 80% of the project would be vested with China while only the remaining 20% will be ours. Isn’t there an issue here?
There was clearly no alternative. We are to pay for the omissions committed in the past. The former government gave the Colombo Port City to China as a free hold. We cancelled it, and keeping the ownership to a great extent, signed a new agreement where a lease for the land was activated. This was the best alternative available to us. We are continuing our discussions on how best Hambantota and Mattala could be made viable. Our final objective is to provide better jobs to our people and develop our country economically.
Q Nevertheless, the JO maintains that your government is leading towards economic destruction by selling off State resources like the Port and Airport. What are your thoughts?
We are not the ones who sold them. They were the ones who sold the Port City to China. What about the colossal loss caused to SriLankan airlines? The construction of the Hambantota port without making a feasibility study? Those who are shouting should take the responsibility.
Q People say although the former government obtained loans, they utilized them in development activities and that it reflected on the projects they undertook, and that they had concerns over the loans taken by the present administration as they were unaware of how they were made use of.
The former government did obtain loans, and all the projects they started remain as white elephants. This government assumed power only less than two years ago. We are now engaged in strategic planning. Several new industries would commence next month and there would be several factories opening up next year.
QAlthough you claim to arrest the rogues of the Rajapaksa regime, there is now allegation about some rogues in your government. Are you not going to investigate them?
According to the laws of our country, we cannot jail anyone as we think. Some cases are taking much time. We have information that decisions on some cases are now due any moment. Those sharks and big fish who had committed frauds would face their penalties before long. We have no intention of saving anyone. About the allegations levelled at those in our government, they can complain to the FCID or Bribery Commission. Just making some noise and alleging things are insufficient. Those who are facing charges for fraudulent acts committed during the last government are making false accusations at us in order to cover up their misdeeds.
QThe value per USD has risen up to 150 LKR, and many foreigners who had invested here are now claiming them back. In this backdrop, how do you expect to drive the country forward?
In January next year, we are expecting Rs. 1.1 Billion from the port project. With that, we can adjust our economy as planned. Although Mahinda Rajapaksa knew that the economy of the country was in bad shape, he called for elections two years before. However, with the enormous loans they had taken, the country’s economy was much in danger. We have to build this economy from scratch. We began by increasing the salaries of State employees by Rs. 10,000, reducing the price of fuel and also by providing several subsidies.
QBut, with the Budget, you have imposed taxes and fines on people and increased the perks provided for MPs. What is the rationale behind these?
If a good salary is not paid to the MPs, they might be tempted to go behind businessmen and other entrepreneurs for commissions. Actually speaking, there are MPs undergoing many constraints. This matter should be viewed in a justifiable manner. In other countries, MPs are paid a higher salary in order to prevent them from getting involved in corruption.
QThe opposition interprets this as giving ransom. What do you think?
Political ransom was paid only during the previous regime, and there is no necessity for that now. At present, an MP has a well-maintained office and pays a considerable sum of money to the staff. In addition, there are expenses to be made for the work undertaken by the voters. When you consider these facts, no one can say this payment is unreasonable.
QIs it true that a staggering Rs. 90 million was spent to purchase five luxury vehicles for the Education Ministry?
There were no new vehicles for the Secretary and additional secretaries of the ministry.
They were using very old vehicles and the maintenance cost of them was ridiculous. The vehicle I am using is the one that was used by MP Bandula Gunawardene when he was minister. It had run more than 200,000 kilometres. These vehicles had all been obtained on lease.
QMinister Dilan Perera had said certain UNP MPs were involved in a secret discussion with Basil Rajapaksa. What are your comments?
That should be asked from Dilan Perera. We have no reason to hold discussions with Basil Rajapaksa or any other Rajapaksa. We are now in power. We are not so ‘bankrupt’ to hold discussions with someone whose party had been defeated twice.
Q When the ministers themselves are openly criticizing the government, how can a conscientious government function?
That is how democracy works. There was no room to criticize the government while in power during the past. Not only that, even the opposition was unable to criticize the government of that time which was somewhat ‘dictatorial.’ Despite the accusations made by certain SLFP stalwarts against the UNP while being close to President Maithripala Sirisena, he is well-aware that he was able to come to power due to the sacrifices and dedication of the UNP.
QThere is much talk about a political pow-wow between Maithri and Mahinda. What is your view on this?
Nothing of that sort would ever happen. The President left that party because he could not remain there. Certain elements are trying to prop up Mahinda. I do not think there is any necessity for the president to get the support of Mahinda. There are many who are living with this dream.
QThe JO is very vociferous in saying the proposed Constitution would lead to the establishment of a FederalState. What are your thoughts?
This is a complete canard. The unitary system is clearly stated in the new Constitution. If the TNA is agreeing to remain in a unitary state and devolve power, how can you say that the country is going to be divided? We will never allow that to happen.
QDuring a recent meeting held at Sirikotha, the UNP executive committee had approved a motion stating that the President should act in accordance with the guidance of the Cabinet and that the Prime Minister was answerable to parliament. Where is this aiming at?
This could be interpreted as the Parliament being supreme in implementing laws and controlling finances, and that the government including the President, Prime Minister, and the Cabinet should remain answerable to it. Many interpret this differently, but we are doing everything for the good of the country.
Q By bringing in the Development Special Regulations Act, it is feared that the PM would be vested with powers that surpass the authority of the president, and the JO is crying foul over this matter. Is it true?
No. When new development activities are in progress, the obstacles have to be removed. When the investment zones were established, the regulations impeding the process were changed and this helped in the development those zones. When we are going ahead with developments, these reactionary forces are adopting various ruses to disrupt them, knowing they cannot come to power in the next fifteen to twenty years. However, when development activities are in progress, there should be freedom to take decisions. Investors do not come to our country simply. Any issue confronting them has to be resolved then and there. Without these, you can never think of achieving mass development.
QIt was said that after the Budget debate, the government would take the COPE issue for debate.
These matters would proceed as per the directions of the Attorney General.
QDoes the UNP accept that the former Central Bank Governor and the Perpetual Treasuries are directly responsible for the bond transaction?
That is a divided finding. If the Attorney General (AG) says we should take legal action, let us allow that. People should understand that the Prime Minister or our party has no idea of shielding this issue, and we would not have appointed JVP member Sunil Handunnetti as COPE chairman. If somebody had committed an offence, he should be punished. It is not right to direct a finger at the government saying we are rogues.
QLastly, your ministry decided to issue vouchers instead of uniform material to students, but how come certain schools distribute them?
We began this with a pure heart. If we had continued to issue uniforms like before, we could have earned large commissions. This was why we introduced this new system. Salusala said they would issue uniforms to students in certain areas, but they have not done a good job.
We stopped it when we received complaints that the quality was low. Now what we did with a good intention is being ridiculed by our opponents, saying the ministry was engaged in selling clothes in schools. However, we continue this as we think it is a noble duty.
