The upcoming polls have opened doors for a diverse group of individuals including professionals, youngsters and more females to contest. Representing the United National Freedom Front (UNFF) - a newly formed political party under the leadership of former Provincial Council member Maithree Gunaratne is Chandradasa Jayasinghe competing for the Sri Jayawardanapura Municipal Council from the Nawala-East Ward. Having served as a civil engineer at the State Development and Construction Corporation and an engineer at the Road Development Authority, Jayasinghe believes that more professionals need to be involved in the political system. Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Jayasinghe shared his plans for Nawala.   

Excerpts :   

"I believe that the present crisis situation in the country in general and in the local government in particular is due to the non-participation of professionals in governance as policymakers. Therefore I wanted to step in to make a change in the system"

Why did you want to contest for an election?  

I have been indirectly involved in the political scene because some of my family members were UNPers. It was an uncle of mine who formed the Podujana Party in which I was a member. But I wasn’t involved in party politics. However I have been following the political history and as professionals we needed a party to represent the people. Then in April 2005 a few of us got together and formed the Podujana Professional Group with about nine members. Then during the previous general elections we thought of going in as an independent group and the United National Freedom Front (UNFF) was formed as the 70th political party of the country. I believe that the present crisis situation in the country in general and in the local government in particular is due to the non-participation of professionals in governance as policymakers. Therefore I wanted to step in to make a change in the system.   

"This is the fault of party leaders. They should know to get professionals involved in order to provide solutions for various matters at hand. When Lee Kwan Yew visited Sri Lanka, he wanted to make Singapore another Sri Lanka. But what has happened to Sri Lanka today?"

What are your plans for Nawala?  

If I am elected, I will be mainly focusing on five issues. These include the dengue problem which has caused many issues in the area. The other issue is the garbage problem which will be effectively controlled to make Nawala a beautiful city. Workplace corruption is another issue that we as a party are focusing on. As another avenue we are also looking at stopping all bribing activities which happens in local authorities and make them efficient offices where people can go and get their work done as quickly as possible. Provincial development is another main area of focus.   

Many voters are disgusted by this system

Flyover causes traffic jam

In China engineers involved in politics

The Rajagiriya flyover was one of the main projects which took place under the good governance regime. Has it been an effective solution for the traffic congestion in the area?  

No, not at all. Nawala was a traffic-free city but with the flyover, traffic movement has increased. Now nobody can cross the road as well. Flyovers are not an effective solution to curb traffic.   

How challenging is it to contest as a new comer of a new political party?  

There are 1221 houses in this ward and I have managed to visit almost all the houses. Many voters are disgusted by this system and some are wondering whether to vote or not. I have spent time talking to them and encouraging them to use their franchise wisely. Voting is a form of participation in order to make a democratic country. I have a good relationship with other candidates as well. The people spoke to me about their problems and I have done what I can in my capacity.   

" I believe that the present crisis situation in the country in general and in the local government in particular is due to the non-participation of professionals in governance as policymakers"

We don’t see many professionals in the present political system. What are your views on this?  

This is the fault of party leaders. They should know to get professionals involved in order to provide solutions for various matters at hand. When Lee Kwan Yew visited Sri Lanka, he wanted to make Singapore another Sri Lanka. But what has happened to Sri Lanka today? In China there are many engineers involved in politics. This is how they have developed their country. We can’t ask a butcher to do a surgery on human and likewise, we need professionals to take this country forward.   

“I am confident that at least five or six members would definitely be elected. Our party leader is an unblemished character and we want to keep our identity as professionals”

What are your views about the mixed electoral system?  

There is very less expenditure this time. It is only a marketing campaign which requires little money but that too doesn’t have to be exorbitant amounts. We have to concentrate on our ward and we don’t have to keep meetings because door-to-door campaigns are more effective in my opinion.   

How confident are you that you would win?  

I am confident that at least five or six members would definitely be elected. Our party leader is an unblemished character and we want to keep our identity as professionals. 

Pic by Kushan Pathiraja