Colombo is being turned into a Chicago - Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa

---

Former JVP Western Provincial Councillor and Kalutara district leader, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa spoke to Daily Mirror on the issues of health and education sectors, beautification of Colombo and of the drawback suffered by the JVP due to their dwindling voter base

Q: Are you satisfied with what you have accomplished in your capacity as a Western Provincial Councillor during the past five years?  
During the past five years, it is I who exposed a majority of injustices committed by the government within the PC. Unlike other Councilors of the Opposition who turned a blind eye to the injustices or white-washed those who commit corruption, enslaved to the benefits they would receive, I have freely voiced my concerns regarding wastage of funds and other injustices; in fact it is I who have highlighted the most number of issues within the Council during its five year term.  


Q: Given its present dwindling voter base, do you think representing the JVP is the right choice to further your political career?
I believe in being part of a principled political sphere – my aim is not to accumulate wealth upon being appointed as a people’s representative. Presently, I can say with certainty that the JVP is the only political party that encourages such a political culture. As soon as I entered the university I became a member of the Socialist Student Union (SSU) of which I am presently the National Organiser. I obtained JVP membership in 1998 and have been an active member ever since.
I strongly believe that only the JVP has the capability to provide a meaningful leadership to this country and steer it towards prosperity.


Q: What has contributed to the present drawback in the support for the JVP? Any signs of a change in the status-quo?
I acknowledge the momentary drawback JVP suffered during the past few years. But it should not be forgotten that trade union and student movements affiliated to the JVP has gained a significant momentum during the past few years. It was very well reflected through the struggle launched against the government’s attempts to rip-off EPF/ETF funds. Before the strong objections raised by the public, the government had to withdraw their plans.

The rollercoaster of highs and lows in the support base is in the nature of politics; even the UNP and SLFP have gone through such periods. But during the campaigning activities for the upcoming provincial polls, it became very clear that there has been a significant change in the peoples’ mindsets in comparison to 2009. Soon after the end of the war, the public placed immense trust in the present government to change the country for the better. Seeing as their trust has been betrayed, a significant crowd has started gather around the JVP rapidly.

A UPFA front-liner recently requested the voters to vote in favour of any opposition party other than the JVP, if they choose to vote against the UPFA. This statement made by our rivals reflects on how significant a threat, the JVP has become to them.

In fact, in the very near future we are certain that a people-friendly government can be established through the leadership of the JVP and we are working towards that goal.


Q: What are the main issues in the province that require immediate attention?
The health sector is an issue that requires dire attention and impacts not simply for the Western province but the entire country. Despite the rapid economic development, which the government boasts about there is a major disparity in the division of economic benefits among the masses.

While people in rural areas suffer due to insufficient facilities in hospitals for advanced procedures as well as from shortages of doctors and medicine, their representatives in the government whom they elected, make frequent trips to luxurious hospital complexes in Singapore frequented by millionaires to attend to their medical needs.


Q: What are your comments on the plight of the education sector and the establishment of private educational institutions?
The plight of the education sector continues to worsen with each year. The Higher Education Ministry continuously highlights that establishment of private higher education institutions will offer more chances for students to pursue their higher education. But how many of the families in this country will be able to afford their exorbitant course fees? For example, the private medical college in Malabe charges close to Rs. 8 million per student as its course fee.

While depriving chances for local students to enter national universities due to the highly competitive nature and restricted resources, the government is selling several vacancies within universities for certain courses to foreign students priced at 12,000 USD and above.

The government has no right to sell off academic courses in national universities that are run operated and maintained through the tax payers’ money. While tax concessions are granted to set up casinos and hold night races in Colombo, the Graduate Studies are sold off at high prices and state funds for the education sector keeps dropping every year – the GDP allocation falling from 2.9% up to 1.4% during the past eight years.


Q: What are your comments on the development and beautification projects carried out in Colombo?
Beautification or development of the city is not the issue – we all prefer to live in a clean, beautified city in a dignified manner.  But what is implemented in Colombo is a forced beautification; instead of uplifting the living standards of people it is very specifically targeted at transforming Colombo into a tourist hub.  

The residents are forcefully vacated, their homes destroyed and in place, casinos and tourist attractions are constructed. Colombo is being turned into a Chicago by this government. Eventually, the finances allocated for this beautification and infrastructure development has to be funded through taxes paid by the public. 


While people in rural areas suffer due to insufficient facilities in hospitals for advanced procedures as well as from shortages of doctors and medicine, their representatives in the government whom they elected, make frequent trips to luxurious hospital complexes in Singapore frequented by millionaires to attend to their medical needs.


Q: Do you believe there will be a free and fair election at least to a certain extent? What of the JVP’s stand in the Western province- do you believe it would improve?  As I mentioned earlier I do notice a significant attitude shift in people – their preference to our ideals and the desperate struggle of the government to maintain their stronghold. The public has understood the importance of rallying around the JVP in order to create a stronger opposition.  

Elections might be far from being free or fair but I believe and have faith in the ability for the people’s power to override any corruption or violation the government might be planning to commit. So I ask the public, please cast your vote -  don’t let it go to waste because every single vote matters.