John Amaratunga A blessed person now

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United National Party (UNP) MP John Amaratunga was at the centre of controversy during the past week, since he joined the Presidential entourage on a state visit to the Middle-East, Jordan, Israel and Palestine. However, he   is now at pains to drive home the point that his intention was not to join the government. In an interview with Daily Mirror, he said it was purely a pilgrimage for him.  Excerpts of the interview are as follows:




Q: Your visit to the middle with President Mahinda Rajapaksa triggered controversy, particularly within the party. How do you respond to it?
After I explained the circumstances under which I undertook that visit, I could convince those concerned. Actually, the External Affairs Ministry had officially requested UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe to nominate me for this visit with the President. That is it. I did not undertake it on my own. It was done with the approval of the leadership. I explained it to him.





Q: Why did the government handpick you from the UNP to participate in this visit?
This visit was to the holy land where the Nativity Church is located.  We got a chance to visit Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christ.  Maybe, they invited me because I am the former Christian Affairs Minister. I am a strong Catholic. I think that is the reason for them to select me.  





Q: Is this your first visit to the holy land of Christians?
I have gone earlier, but could not visit all the places. There were restrictions at that time for ordinary persons to access some places.  I could access all the places this time because I was a state guest.




Q: In that sense, the President gave you a good opportunity?
Yes of course. It is a good opportunity for a Christian to visit the holy land. I am a blessed person now.




Q: However, your visit has been perceived by some party men as an attempt to side with the government?
As I said, it was virtually a pilgrimage for me.   I went there with the party leader’s permission. Also, I did not participate in any official discussion attended by the President and the leaders of those countries. I attended only receptions and informal events. That is it. I explained it well to everyone who enquired about it. Only the media was trying to create a controversy. It did not involve any cost.  The delegation went in a chartered flight. There were so many empty seats; I occupied one of them.  All other expenses were borne by the authorities of the respective countries we visited.




Q:How did the President treat you during the visit?
He was very courteous to me. We’ve known each other for a long time.  I know him even before he became the President, the Prime Minister or the opposition leader. We are old-timers in Parliament. Our political differences have nothing to do with our personal friendship.






" I believe both the government and the opposition should be united outside the country. We can do party politics within the country. Regarding foreign relations, it is better to have common approaches "




Q: Do you mean that it is always better to include members from the opposition in such delegations?
Actually, there was a custom like that in the past. During the UNP regime in the past, we used to give chances to the members from the opposition.  I believe both the government and the opposition should be united outside the country. We can do party politics within the country. Regarding foreign relations, it is better to have common approaches.




Q: In that case, if you are given a chance by the government to campaign for Sri Lanka during the session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva in March, will you undertake it?
I will do it, if the party permits. It is always subject to the approval by the party and its leader. I do not take individual decisions.  




Q: Previously, there was an invitation for you to join the government’s delegation to attend the United Nations’ General Assembly session. At that time, you did not go. But, you have accepted an invitation now. Why is it now?
On that occasion, I could not get the leader’s permission. He was of the opinion that it was not the time for such an undertaking. So, I did not go. I adhered to the party’s stand.   




Q: Apart from that, the Provincial Council elections have been declared. How are you going to work for the party?
I am the Gampaha district leader. We are having meetings these days to organise the party in view of the elections. We want to work out strategies to take on the government.  We have not yet decided on the main candidates. Yet, we received applications from so many applicants.




Q: How would you analyse the work of the party’s recently constituted Leadership Council?
It is too early to assess their performance at the moment.  It is a new experiment to propel the party to new political heights. I am not a member of it because I hold two other key positions in the party as the chief opposition whip of Parliament and the trade union wing leader.




Q: What do you think of the non-participation of MPs Sajith Premadasa and Thalatha Atukorale in the deliberations of the Leadership Council?
They may have their own reasons for that. I believe they should attend its proceedings and make their contributions.  The party should also carry out its work whether they come or not. We have to move forward.




Q: It is rumoured that some Parliamentarians of the party would resign to contest the elections. Is it true?
I do not think it is true. It is hard to believe that one would resign from Parliament and contest the election.