“Give us five years to prove ourselves” - Lal Kantha

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Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) District leader for Colombo District, K.D. Lal Kantha says that this election would be a turning point for the party. In a discussion with the Daily Mirror he said Marxism was a philosophy that would be suitable to Sri Lanka if it was applied in the right way. Furthermore, he said the present Sri Lankan economy had capitalistic features which were detrimental to the people.

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We have social and cultural values. Just because casinos are tourist attractions it not necessary to have casinos all over the country just to announce to the world that we have anything and everything

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Q: One of the candidates from the JVP said that the JVP was the only alternative people had. Despite this the JVP did not perform well in the past few elections. What do have to say on this?
There is a meaning for the word “alternative”. Both the UNP and SLFP’s political vision, economic principles and other procedures are the same. But the JVP has a different plan. We have a different political, cultural and social vision. What we do is a revolutionary change.

For instance, in our party’s publication “Ape Dekma” page 33 states that from people who earn money through illegal means, their property should be taken back by the government. Therefore our party’s vision is different. We are a voluntary organisation. Unlike other parties every person in the JVP does a voluntary service. We do not have to forcibly get members in to the party.

Yes the voter base did not increase during the past few years. The only time there was a reported increase of our voters was in 2006.



Q: The leadership of the JVP changed recently. Like the opposition, did you also have issues within the party?
There were people in the party who created different cults. At a later stage they deviated from the party and formed a separate political group. Considering various reasons the party members took a decision to expel Wimal Weerawansa from the party, and knowing that prior to announcing the decision he joined the government. Issues like this occurred.

However our Leader Somawansa Amarasinghe wanted to pass the leadership to another while being in the party. From this he was giving an exemplary political example to others. But he had to remain as the leader with the internal issues of the party. Once everything was cleared and when this suggestion came up again the party’s central decision-making body decided Anura Kumara Dissanayake to be the leader of the Party.



Q: The common complaint by the opposition on the government is that it trades on war victory. Do you also believe government’s winning potion lies in the war victory?             
The main reason behind the government’s victory is the war. There was no reason for people not to vote when the government showed winning the war as a reason for them to vote. By pointing out the national issues the government won votes.

When Sri Lanka was under British rule they built many buildings and the country was developed. They introduced the tea industry. The Colombo Municipal Council and the University are gifts of the British. But they actually exploited our resources. There was no talk about democracy. Human rights were violated.

Today this is what’s happening. With the guidance or rather sponsoring of the government many wrongdoings have spread. It is time for people to open their eyes.

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If the country is beautiful that is good. But there are many other qualities to be improved. A lady who wears gold jewellery cannot walk alone today. An elderly woman cannot stay alone at her house.  From top to bottom, all that the officials are concerned about is money

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Q: Do you think Sri Lanka is becoming a capitalist country? Or do you think Marxism is practical still?
Marxism is a philosophy. It has many qualities in it. Marxism has to be used in a way which is applicable to today’s context. For instance countries like Cuba and North Korea are countries which use Marxism applicable in today’s context.

In a Capitalist system, under the production span the people who are connected to it do not get their share. Under that only the minority of wealthy people benefit. If someone works hard he should be eligible to get what he deserves. But this never happens under a capitalist society.   Clearly Sri Lanka has a capitalist system at present.

We believe Marxism is still practical and it is applicable to Sri Lanka as well.



Q:  At one of the interviews you have said that you are the next chief minister. How confident are you?
At any instance I did not declare myself as the chief minister candidate from the party. The party appointed me as the Team leader for Colombo District. Various people attempted to define this appointment in different ways. Some of the newspapers also carried statements saying that I am the chief ministerial candidate.
Clearly the people will lift us to the provincial council and it will not be our personal victory. It will be the people’s victory. From the provincial council we will commence a bigger journey. But if we win and the party decides that I am capable of being the Chief Minister, I will definitely take up the post and will work for a “revolutionary” change.



Q: Overall, Colombo City has got a facelift. And with the new road constructions and many other development projects the Country seems to be heading towards development. What is your opinion?
  Beautification is good and everybody loves to see beautiful things. But just because a few concrete stones are attached and roads are constructed that is not development.

You talk about Colombo, but has this development hit all parts of Colombo? Areas like Kolonnawa has issues with regard to garbage. People are forcibly evicted from their houses. Some of the lands with high commercial value have been forcibly appropriated. There needs to be a proper housing plan. Instead of the spreading of housing schemes flats should be introduced so that many people will be benefitted and space will be saved.

If the country is beautiful that is good. But there are many other qualities to be improved. A lady who wears gold jewellery cannot walk alone today. An elderly woman cannot stay alone at her house.  From top to bottom, all that the officials are concerned about is money.

We have the capability to make this country a beautiful one, because with our values and culture we have dedicated people. That is why we say “please give us an opportunity to work for five years and we will make this country a better place.”



Q: Do you think casinos are essential for the improvement of the tourism industry?
For New Year we used to play games like “Pancha, keta” etc. But that was limited for New Year. They were cultural games. But such games should not be deciding factors of the economy. There should be a limit to everything.

I do not say that I am totally against casinos. But there should be a limit. We have social and cultural values. Just because casinos are tourist attractions it not necessary to have casinos all over the country just to announce to the world that we have anything and everything.



Q: There were many students’ protests recently. What do you think about this?
Within democratic limits there were student’s protests. Some of the students took to the roads on behalf of schoolchildren.  Today students are facing a disastrous situation. There are students who could not secure a place at the University even having 3 A’s. Due to limited resources many people have declined the opportunity for university education.

The government also seems to promote private education. When there are issues in the public sector education institutions students and parents somehow try to get education through private institutions. When the students cannot bear the pressure anymore they show their anger through these protests. These are serious questions which have to be addressed in a serious manner.