தவறவிடாதீர்கள்..!உடனே பதிவு செய்யுங்கள்

ROBERT ANTONY

None of the eight executive presidents who have come to power in this country have given these police and land powers. Two presidents came to power claiming they would grant these powers, but they did not. Former President Maithripala Sirisena was even brought in specifically to implement this, but he did not.So how can the current presidential candidates say they will grant these powers next year?

There is opposition from a section of the people in this country to giving police powers. If granted, it could lead to more problems. Today, Tamil, Muslim, and Sinhala people are living together in harmony and engaging in trade. I only speak the truth. If it cannot be given, I clearly and firmly state that it cannot be done.   said namal rajapaksa the presidential candidate of slpp

he  said   this in a special interview  to virakesari .  

The details are as follows  

How is the presidential election campaign going?

Answer: Our campaign activities are progressing well. We have primarily focused our election campaign within the villages. We conducted a large rally in Anuradhapura. After that, we are engaging in extensive village-level campaigning, directly reaching out to the people. Our strength lies there. This time, there is a limit to the election expenses. Starting next week, we will begin house-to-house campaigning.

Question: What is the situation in the political election field as you perceive it?

Answer: People are supporting us. They want to vote for us. Some express their support openly, some in other ways, and some remain silent.

Question: What do people ask you when they meet you?

Answer: The current economic crisis in the country is a major concern for the people. Although it’s claimed that there are no more queues or power cuts, people are still facing difficulties internally. The queues have been reduced primarily because prices have gone up.

People's consumption has decreased, and they don’t have money. Those who work daily only have opportunities two days a week. Moreover, salaried individuals now have to pay taxes.

Therefore, when we come to power, we must encourage small and medium-sized enterprises. It is essential to strengthen them through rural banks and create a market from there. Furthermore, it is necessary to attract investors to create jobs.

Question: Is the economy the main topic of discussion in this election?

Answer: In every election, the economy is always a significant topic of discussion. It's not just about strengthening the economy but also making it independent. If we rely on another country for our economy, there is no independence. For this, we must promote national production.

Question: In your view, what happened to Gotabaya Rajapaksa?

Answer: There were many good things done during Gotabaya’s government. However, we need to look at where his government went wrong. Gotabaya faced difficulties due to the fuel queues and power cuts. The reason for the power cuts is the failure to establish new power plants during the Good Governance government.

Additionally, the COVID-19 crisis hit. But why did a country like Bangladesh, without such issues, face problems? It is clear that Gotabaya's government was deliberately brought down through a conspiracy.

Question: At 38, did you ever imagine you would run for the country's presidential election?

Answer:The political journey continues. However, I did not think I would be running for the presidential election this time. When responsibility is given, it must be accepted. It is essential for a politician to have that quality. I accepted the challenge and stepped into the field. It is necessary to step in during times of crisis.

There is no point in accepting responsibility when the country is doing well, and I am politically popular. During such a crisis, it is essential for young people like us, with modern thinking, to come forward. In that regard, I will move beyond traditional methods to improve the economy.

My intention is very clear. I will protect the unity of this country. I will safeguard the culture of all ethnic groups. Some leaders talk about power-sharing but destroy cultures. They bring in laws that undermine cultural traditions. However, I guarantee that I will protect the cultures, traditional customs, and values of all people.

Question: You brought Ranil Wickremesinghe as President during a crisis. In two years, he has made significant progress. Couldn't you have supported him?

Answer: The question is whether to look at long-term or short-term matters. Right now, we need development. When you look at the manifestos of Sajith, Anura, and Ranil, there is no room for growth. When debt repayment begins in 2029, problems will arise again. Therefore, we decided to contest after careful consideration of these factors.

Question: Despite Mahinda Rajapaksa and Basil Rajapaksa supporting Ranil Wickremesinghe, it is said that Namal Rajapaksa opposed it. Is that true?

Answer: That is false information. Initially, we all supported Ranil. We gave our support unconditionally. However, some of the laws he introduced conflicted with our policies. We believe in supporting a candidate who aligns with our principles. We advised the current President to encourage investments and create jobs, and not to introduce laws that clash with our culture. However, he did not heed this advice.

Question: What law was introduced that goes against the culture?

Answer: The same-sex marriage bill can be mentioned as an example. No law that goes against the culture should be introduced. If such laws are passed, those groups will be alienated from the culture. Even if they gain legal rights, they may not be accepted within the culture of the country.

Question: Do you think Ranil Wickremesinghe's support has decreased because of your decision to contest?

Answer: No, not at all. My votes are not going to Ranil. If they were, there would be a problem. Therefore, my candidacy does not pose any issues for Ranil.

Question: A Tamil common candidate has been fielded. What is your stance on that?

Answer: On one hand, I see it as a positive development because it creates a situation where anyone from any ethnic background in this country can become President. It’s applying what’s stated in the constitution. I see this as a good start. In my party, too, Tamil leaders will emerge. Tamils will also take leadership positions in my party; the doors are open.

Question: There are reports that you met with opposition leader Sajith Premadasa. Is that true?

Answer: That is false information. I did not meet or speak with him.

Question: If so, where do these rumors originate?

Answer: The Rajapaksas maintain good relationships with everyone. Additionally, this story may have emerged because of the election.

Question: What is your opinion on the three main candidates, excluding yourself?

Answer: All three seem to share the same policy. Anura’s manifesto is very close to Ranil’s policies.

Question: Many young ministers were with you and had good opportunities in your government. Today, they are not with you. How do you see this?

Answer: This is politics. When opportunities arise, they take advantage of them. Just because they are there doesn’t mean they will always be there.

Question: Will you have a future journey with them?

Answer: As long as there is no policy conflict, there will be a journey together.

Question: The main candidates are voicing their opinions on the 13th Amendment, but you have clearly stated that you cannot fully implement it and that police and land powers cannot be given. Why are you taking such a tough stance on this issue?

Answer: None of the eight executive presidents who have come to power in this country have given these police and land powers. Two presidents came to power claiming they would grant these powers, but they did not. Former President Maithripala Sirisena was even brought in specifically to implement this, but he did not.

So how can the current presidential candidates say they will grant these powers next year? There is opposition from a section of the people in this country to giving police powers. If granted, it could lead to more problems. Today, Tamil, Muslim, and Sinhala people are living together in harmony and engaging in trade. I only speak the truth. If it cannot be given, I clearly and firmly state that it cannot be done.

Tamil youth also accept me saying this truth. I established my first election office in Mullaitivu, despite saying that police and land powers cannot be given.

Question: Do you accept that there is a political issue for Tamil-speaking people in the North and East?

Answer: This political issue exists mainly for politicians. They do not talk about the real problems of the people. Will giving police powers fill people’s stomachs?

Question: If so, will the Provincial Council system remain if you become President?

Answer: The Provincial Council system will remain. I will hold Provincial Council elections immediately after becoming President. I will also immediately hold local government elections. Those who said they would fully implement the 13th Amendment in history did not hold elections at the right time. But Mahinda Rajapaksa held the first elections in the North. The issues that Northern youth face are the same issues that Southern youth face.

So, we must look at these two issues from the same perspective. There are not two solutions to these issues; there is only one solution. I assure you that all the rights and opportunities available to Southern youth will also be available to the youth in the North and East. I will not give false promises. People can expect new things from me as a new leader.

Question: The Tamil parties in the North and East are demanding a solution. What is your view?

Answer: This is a political decision. That’s why Maithripala was brought to power, but even then, it couldn’t be achieved. If a new constitution is to be created, it is the responsibility of Parliament, not the President. The system of executive power and the electoral system must be changed together. It is meaningless to make promises about this on the presidential election platform.

Question: Do you have any plans to establish a Senate?

Answer: We can discuss these issues. Our doors are open. The people should decide on this, not Namal Rajapaksa. Neither can Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Question: You had a good relationship with youth groups in Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi districts in the past. Does that relationship still exist?

Answer: It is still very good. In recent years, my presence there has decreased, but my relationship with them continues strongly. I often attend their events, birthday celebrations, and household events. Now, during the election, I will definitely go there and hold meetings. My relationship with the youth there is not political; it is seen as a personal relationship. Many people do not know this.

Question: The war ended in 2009, but the issue of the disappeared continues. How will you address this?

Answer: A solution must be given to the issue of the disappeared. There is no point in continuously appointing commissions on the disappeared. A solution must be given, and I am ready to provide that. I will release political prisoners as soon as I become President.

Question: The cremation of Muslim bodies during the COVID-19 pandemic created a big controversy. What was your stance at that time?

Answer: It was not a personal decision. It was a decision based on the advice of the expert committee. But the expert committee misled Gotabaya.

Question: Did you think that way at the time?

Answer: At no point did I think that way because, at that time, the main need was to protect the people. The general consensus was to act according to expert advice. But over time, we understood that this expert committee was misleading Gotabaya.

When Muslim people were raising slogans against Gotabaya on the issue of body cremation in the protest fields, the same experts who advised him were also holding placards nearby. That’s when we realized this was done as a temporary measure.

Question: What do you want to say to the Muslim people about this through this interview?

Answer: This was not a decision we took personally; it was done based on expert advice for the safety of the people. But if people were hurt because of this decision, we apologize for that. We apologize for any hurt caused by the tough decisions made during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Question: How will your foreign policy be with India and China?

Answer: I will pursue a friendly policy with both countries. I will follow a non-aligned policy that gives importance to neighboring countries. Both of these countries are crucial for our development, investment, and tourism. However, I will not allow our country to be used to harm another country.

Question: India is said to be concerned about the security of the region?

Answer: We will be concerned about India's security and the security of the region.

Question: What would you like to say to Tamil-speaking people as a presidential candidate?

Answer: I will protect the culture, values, and traditions of the Tamil-speaking people. I will protect religions. Even during the war and the COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted the Nallur festival grandly. I will not make false promises.

I tell you not to fall into the trap of those who make false promises. You have been deceived by false promises for 30-40 years. My father also tried to implement 13 Plus, but it did not happen. I have come to this position after learning lessons from those experiences. I have learned from historical lessons and events and come to this position.

Question: What is the relationship between Mahinda Rajapaksa and Namal Rajapaksa?

Answer: It is a very close relationship. As a father, he guides me. He is at the forefront of my campaign. He scolds me when I make mistakes, but he has never hit me. He advises me but gives me complete freedom.

Question: Did your father initially want you to contest the presidential election?

Answer: This was a decision made by the party, my father, and Basil. They believed that if the party is to be rebuilt, I should contest.

Question: After you announced your candidacy, did

Did people who broke up with you after you announced that you were contesting speak to you again? They're still talking to me. Some of them are helping me. Some will come. Some people will help me out. 

Question

What is your relationship with Prime Minister Modi? 

Answer

The answer is a political relationship. Prime Minister Narendra Modi respects all religions. He doesn't eat meat. Hindu and Buddhist cultures. And that's the way I travel. I am determined to bring together the Hindu and Buddhist cultures. When we meet, we discuss matters of mutual interest. 

Q: When Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met you, did he tell you to solve the problem of Tamil speaking people and why do you continue to do so? 

Answer

The Prime Minister of India and the Government of India never interfere in the internal affairs of any other country. They are focused on economic growth. 

Q

Are you missing out on opportunities to spend time with your children?

Answer

 I'm going to video chat with them wherever I am. I stay close to them at home.