No ‘Aye’ from Vidura to Ravi’s budget

1 December 2015 06:30 pm Views - 3231

‘How can I raise my hand to a budget that allows foreigners to own our  country while trimming people’s rights?’ 

Sri Lankan Freedom Party MP,Vidura Wickramanayake who is not afraid to criticise political leadership, even within his own party, explained why he cannot agree with this budget and why he did not accept any portfolios like many of his party colleagues did. A one-time journalist attached to the Dailymirror newspaper Wickramanayake talks about his passion and connection with the media. 


QYour are only an MP, aren’t you having any ideas of moving forward? 
Yes, I am moving towards Kanatte now; that is also if my body is found. I do not know what place you refer to.


QNo, I never refer to the place where everyone goes after death. Everyone has to die some day but why do you refer to it now?
Everyone will die; but the way things are happening it appears that some seem to think that they are going to live forever.


QNo, what I asked was whether you are now fed up with working for the people of Kalutara, and thinking of death?
Only Kalutara people will decide how long I am to serve them. As an individual who values democratic principles I would bow to their wishes. But I do not understand what you infer by asking me where I should go.


QWhat I asked was why you are reluctant to accept a portfolio?
How could I when the government in power is not ours.


QHow many SLFPers who were with you became ministers?
That is their wish. My father taught me never to go in search of positions or bow your head power or money. These are virtues I would cherish until my death.


QWhat we see is Vidura Wickramanayake finding fault with every government?
Fault finding and criticising are two different things that do not mix.


QOkay, if what you mean is criticism, are you going to continue with it?
What else do you want me to do? Do you want me to stab them or kill them?


QSome said they would align with the government and guide it on the correct path.
Did those who said that act in that manner? Are they on the correct path now? Don’t you remember what Cabinet ministers of this government said about Avant Garde? They even referred to the suits that were provided with and ended up exposing their nudity. Do you want me also to join them?.


QAren’t you sorry that your father was not allowed to continue in politics and sent on retirement?
My father is keeping well and we are not a set of power hungry people.


QWhat do you think about your father supporting Mahinda Rajapakse at the January 8, presidential election and then becoming a consultant of President-elect Maithripala Sirisena?
That is their business; you should ask them. 


QAren’t you blamed by your party leaders and SLFPers  who took over Cabinet portfolios for criticising them?
I have never criticised individuals but only their actions. Do not mix up your questions. My criticisms had never been malicious or derogatory.


QYou have befriended the media that has always made space for your comments and criticism. 
I pity you as a journalist asking these types of questions. I have no connection with the media, but there are many others who do. There are deals taking place everywhere now. I was also a one time journalist. I was a reporter for the  “Daily Mirror” in 1999. As far as I know, such things do not happen in the news paper culture.


QAre you supporting this budget?
Why should I support this budget which had thrown a challenge to the livelihood of the masses. I cannot say ‘Aye’ to this budget as I cannot agree on several issues. This budget has allowed foreigners to own our country while trimming many benefits that were the rights of the common people. How  can I raise my hand in approval of such a budget?


QYour party leader President Maithripala Sirisena requested you to support the budget. Was there any intimidation?
There was no intimidation; only a request.


QAlthough your father was a onetime prime minister you have not gone beyond being an MP. Former Premier D. M. Jayarathne’s son was elected to Parliament and became a deputy minister overnight?
I am happy about by position. I am frustrated about the way politics are moving in this country. I may have to take a decision whether to stay in politics or not.


QDoes that mean you are going to leave politics?
Maybe; but I am not leaving as a defeated man.


QHave you realised that it is pointless working for a party which does not recognise your contribution?
I am not frustrated because I didn’t get recognition; but I am disgusted with the whole political scenario. Today politics is moving on money and deals. All of us are to be blamed for this pathetic situation. 

Courtesy 
Irida Lankadeepa