Marapana’s resignation proves Yahapalanaya really exists

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QThough termed as good governance or Yahapalanaya isn’t there much difference of opinion in the government now?
 No there is no such thing. Now anyone could express his dissent unlike in earlier times. 
There was no opportunity to do that earlier while being a government MP or a Minister. Some have overstepped their freedom and got involved in unnecessary dialogues. 
When they could have discussed the issues within themselves, what they had done was to discuss them with those next door. 

QNo sooner the Yahapalanaya started to deliver the goods a Cabinet member had to resign?
In the 1970s Gamani Jayasuriya resigned, not over any charges, but as he felt that it was against his conscience to agree to a certain government proposal. Since then we have not witnessed a similar situation. With the resigning of Thilak Marapana it had been proved that the Yahapalanaya really exist. We appreciate that when charges were directed at him, he honourably resigned, paving the way to conduct an independent inquiry. Earlier however much the allegations were, no minister or a leader resigned, instead they were protected. That situation has now changed.

QAren’t the Ministers exposing their nudity over the Avant Garde issue?
It is better not to speak about this matter as the President has appointed a committee to probe this issue now. This issue went beyond its control when everyone irrespective of whether they were knowledgeable or not on this issue began making all sorts of remarks. We will wait and see what the committee would decide on this matter. Therefore it is prudent to mind our own  business and allow the President and the Prime Minister to conduct the investigations.

QSome Ministers are facing framed up charges that they had been well looked after by Avant Garde and that is why they cannot keep silent?
This matter could have been easily settled outside. We are not aware who took money and who did not take money. The only avenue now opened to them is to apprise the committee on what they know about the matter and cooperate with them. Thilak Marapana displayed a fine example and its value would be lost if we continue to drag this matter further for rhyme or reason.

QThere had been “Voice Cuts” relating to the alleged deals?
I also heard of these. If there is any proof they can immediately inform the Bribery Commissioner Dilrukshi Dias  and she would be glad as offering bribes and accepting them is considered as illegal. If investigations are carried out on all those named individuals, it would be revealed who is involved and who is not.

QWhy did not the President and the Prime Minister intervene in this matter. If they did so the issue would have been nipped in the bud?
Because of Yahapalanaya everyone was free to speak and voice their opinion. This led to the issue surfacing as a very crucial one. Earlier this type of controversial issues never came into the forefront as there was a fear psychosis. Now with the President and the Premier allowing the freedom of open debate, the public became aware of it. It is time now to arrive at a timely decision.
 

QNow what is discussed at the cabinet meetings are recorded and released to outsiders. Doesn’t it show that collective responsibility of the cabinet is not there in the Yahapalanaya government?
Our history records of many traitors. There are many examples of them. During the time of ancient Kings there had been traitors, who were very close to the Royalty and used to white wash their acts of misrule. The leaders should be extremely careful of them, otherwise their downfall is unavoidable.

QMinister Nimal Siripala a cabinet member states that there is no Yahapalanaya?
Nimal Siripala has a record for making this type of statements. In the presence of the President and Prime Minister at a cabinet meeting he agreed to store excess Paddy at the Mattala Airport, but at Mattala he took part in a different performance and criticizing the process. There are several others who play to the gallery in this manner. We were at the forefront in the campaign to elect Maithripala Sirisena as the President. With the defeat of Mahinda Rajapaksa who was isolated and these people slowly began to be close to the elected President Maithripala Sirisena and save their skins. Some of them were badly defeated at the elections and were humiliated. They came in through the national list and became cabinet ministers. They have no strength of character to stay and ridicule the Yahapalanaya.

QPrime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe could intervene and grant redress to those UNPers who suffer this injustice. Why is he not doing anything?
Ranil Wickremesinghe is a person who does what he preaches. As agreed earlier he is doing politics being within the Yahapalanaya framework. There are many who are engaged only in doing their own politics. Premier Ranil is working very patiently and does not bargain. Everybody should follow this principle if not there is not much way forward. I worked for the people of Puttalam unmindful of positions. We were in the Opposition for several years and when there were many who crossed over for positions and perks, I remained dedicated to my party. But I feel that ignoring me was a direct blow on the people of Puttalam, who withstood much agony and anguish in bringing the UNP to victory. My supporters are bearing patiently all these actions by outsiders who had usurped positions. People are watching the situation where those defeated  had come through national lists and become cabinet members ignore those who suffered and campaigned at the risk of their lives to usher in the Yahapalanaya.