Politics is a platform that opens doors to budding individuals striving to make a change. Today we see many young faces in the political arena but a question remains as to whether they can survive the battle. While the public makes the final decision, the entire process of politics revolves around impressing people. In an interview with the Udara Ratnayake, son of veteran filmmaker Bennett Ratnayake, speaks on politics, his political career and how he would contribute to make a change in the system. Excerpts follow.
Q : How is the progress in the election campaign so far?
It is going well. It’s tough because I’m running as a Colombo District candidate without an electorate. I think in the UNP history this is the most competitive listing for the Colombo District. People are expecting a change and they want young faces in Parliament.
Q : You have been a provincial councillor for almost an year now, but not much publicity was given to your campaigns. What is the reason?
It is because I represent the opposition of the provincial council (PC) and as opposition PC members we can do little and exposure is limited. I have initiated many projects targeting the people of Kaduwela. But to get involved on a larger scale is quite difficult with limited exposure within the PC.
Q : Many actors and actresses get in to politics. Do they enter politics because power is more important than fame?
I really can’t comment about others. In my case I don’t consider myself as a popular artiste or a celebrity. If someone were to ask me who I am, I would say I’m a public servant. I love this country and I want to take Sri Lanka forward. I entered politics because I wanted to make people aware of the corruption that was going on and the diminishing of the freedom of law. During the last PC elections many popular figures contested but only a very few got through.
Popularity in it itself is not enough because people need to gain confidence in what you can do. Politics is a matter of doing a service to the country.
Q : Do you think that fame and good looks are enough to win votes?
Fame, popularity and looks are not enough. Today, people are intelligent and they want to be confident about the people they elect. Education is also an important element.
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Q : Do you think that being qualified is a must for a politician?
It’s not a must. If you look at history Hon. D.S Senanayake had only studied up to Grade 8 but he managed to become one of the best prime ministers in Sri Lanka. Sirimavo Bandaranaike, hadn’t any higher education either. Just because you are qualified it doesn’t make you a better politician.
Q : Today we see many politicians in Parliament without even primary education talking politics and engaging in corrupt practices. Is this what politics is all about?
I think many politicians in Parliament have not studied even up to their A/Ls. People need to be more concerned and responsible in electing their representatives in Parliament.
Q : Even mature politicians fail in politics. Do you think you are mature enough to be a responsible politician?
It’s a matter of staying with the people. That is the only way you develop as a politician. Sometimes if you are popular or if you have money, you may get a chance to be elected once but it will be a very short-run if you are not there with the people. However due to the existing system you cannot be responsible for an entire district. That’s why we need to support electoral reforms.
Q : Are you satisfied with the pace of progress of the ‘good governance’ regime?
I am satisfied but we do have accusations about not punishing rogues and bringing them to jutice. But people need to understand that we have to act within the legal framework. As a party that respects democracy we cannot take decisions overnight and act irresponsibly. After the elections and with a UNP government we want to introduce new regulations by which corrupt people can be brought in front of the law as and when required.
Q : There were many defections during the presidential election. If you are influenced, will you ever take that decision [to defect]?
No, of course not.
Q : How would you contribute to make a change in the present political system?
My main principle is equality. I want to create a society where every person has equal opportunities. I will practise this principle and try to make this country an equal place for everyone. During the last regime we saw how people were being treated differently. If we treat everybody on equal grounds then even the international community will have faith in us. We lost millions of dollars in investments flowing into the country during the last regime because they [ the international community] didn’t have confidence in the system and its politicians. During a short term of good governance of the present regime, we see that many multinational companies are interested in coming in here to invest in projects.
