‘Serious erosion of democracy pushed me to politics’ - Ravindra Yasas

Popular Actor Ravindra Yasas is intending to contest in upcoming provincial elections under the Democratic Party led by former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka. Yasas is a talented actor who has portrayed himself in a number of political satires on television and has a rare talent in singing ‘Virindu’, making a mockery of current social and political issues.  In a discussion with the , he said, the main reason for him to contest the present election is to send the message that the people who suffer under the existing corrupt system have not been forgotten or left alone.


 

Q: What made you enter politics?
The main reason for me to enter politics is the decline of democracy in the country. People are afraid to speak out. Although the main two parties speak about democracy there seem to be no democracy.  Therefore I decided to contest.



 

Q: Why did you decide to contest from the Democratic Party?
Democracy is the sole reason. The country is in a situation where it has no place for democracy and the people are blindly following the system. There is no freedom to speak out their grievances. Also it has come to a point where democracy can not be borne at any cost. For instance, the Democratic Party has to go through ruthless obstacles to conduct a meeting. That is the level we have stooped to. I believe only the Democratic Party can provide solutions to these issues. Therefore, I decided to join hands with the Party.
 

"This is the best opportunity to show the people that they are not alone. People are under pressure. They are afraid to speak out and they have to accept all difficulties. I thought I should come forward. As an artiste, I have made some impact so the people will at least feel that there are concerned voices to represent them"

 

Q: Was it an abrupt decision to jump into politics?
I was involved in politics from around 1990s. Most of the dramas I acted were political comedies. Through them I always tried to give a message. I did not have a particular party to work for; rather I was with anybody who works for the people. The reason I joined the Democratic Party is because that is the only Party I can have faith in these circumstances.



 

Q: For many who enter politics, it has become a gold mine. Do you think you too will fall into this category?
If I wanted to earn I would not have contested from a party like this. I would have contested from either one of the two main parties. There were ample invitations, which I refused. I selected the Democratic Party because I need to serve the people, not myself.  



 

Q: There were many other artistes who contested elections earlier. But there seem to be little progress in the field of arts, contributed by them. Do you think that you could make a difference?
Yes, I do accept that, although many entered into politics many end up doing nothing to the field. But I hope to work towards the benefit of fellow artistes and the field.



 

Q: Why did you want to start your political journey with a provincial election?
This is the best opportunity to show the people that they are not alone. People are under pressure. They are afraid to speak out and they have to accept all difficulties. Without waiting further, I thought I should come forward. As an artiste, I think I have made some impact so the people will at least feel that there are concerned voices to represent them.


 

"If I wanted to earn I would not have contested from a party like this. I would have contested from either one of the two main parties"

Q: Are you confident that you can win?
I am confident that I could win because people know me. For more than two decades I have been interacting with people. Even if I would not be able to make it to the Provincial Council I am always with the party. Party’s victory is my victory.



 

Q: If you get elected what are the plans you have for the people?
I do not have any plans in particular, but I will work according to the party’s plan. Our party’s main focus is to protect democracy and eliminate corruption. I will work in order to achieve this goal. And I will be with people.