‘things have happened against wishes of some people’

5 August 2014 06:45 am Views - 2517

The question of political power that is wielded by women especially in the third world countries like Sri Lanka has been questioned from time to time by social activists, in spite of the fact that the representation of women in this field  in the developed countries are higher  in Norway, Sweden and Finland. This conversation, in a way, is about the woman’s place and their honourable positions that had been held by them in the good old days, in the field of administration.
At an interview held with the Gampaha District Parliamentarian Upeksha Swarnamali who is in the hope of contesting in future elections, said that the people should have to act with more understanding when they form an opinion about the defeated actress /artistes as well. These are the questions asked by a journalist and the answers received from her about her political career.

Q How about your political activities?

Nothing wrong. So busy. It was recently that money was allocated from the decentralised budget. The activities get going. I am the chairman of the Wattala Developement committee. In addition, I do my work connected to the foundation formed under my name.

QYou were elected by the UNP although you joined the government. What about the allegations that have been levelled against the Government on the grounds of corruption and fraud today?

I   am of the opinion that the general public have not been satisfied with any Government that has ruled so far. No Government had been successful in satisfying the people 100% world over. We cannot expect such a Government in future too. There is doubt on the grounds of allegations that have been levelled against the Government. There may be loopholes. When compared to the past regimes, there is a vast development in the country at present. It is evident in all aspects of development. The 30-year-old war had been defeated. The Government cannot perform magic. Almost all governments had contributed certain things to the country. But, there are things that had taken place against the whims and fancies of some people.

Q Do you wish to contest for the next election?

Yes, of course.

Q You have stated that Queen Anula lived in the times of Lord Buddha?

I have not told like that. But, I said that the first queen was born in Sri Lanka during 47 B.C. That is what I told. I don’t know from where it had gone wrong. I do not have time to go after them.  Those who listened to my speech may know the truth. I tried my best in those days to emphasise the fact that there were very powerful ladies in very high positions. I said that the ladies who are engaged in politics are less than 5%. I am not very good in my Sinhala. It is true. When they are unable to find fault with me, they hang on to something.

Q Where did you study?

In Kuwait.

Q Didn’t you study in Sri Lanka?

During the wartime in Kuwait, I studied at the Royal Institute. Again I went to Kuwait.

Q Have you learnt history as a subject?

I have gathered facts from the books and verbal information.

Q Have you gathered information about the well-known women in Sri Lanka?

Not such special collections. As a woman, I have focused my attention on women who   had held very high positions in the country.

Q Are you in the hope of gaining a Ministerial Portfolio?

I have no such ambitions. I contested for the election with the hope of winning. It lies  in  the hands of the people. It is said that votes are taken by thuggery and force. I do not know whether they are true  or false. They are not applicable to me. I am the youngest Parliamentarian. Offering a Ministerial Portfolio is decided by the President. If such a responsibility is assigned, I will perform it to the best of my ability.

Q You are an ex-member of the UNP who joined the Government. How about the assistance you gain from the President?

I have never seen such a people-friendly leader like the President. He performs a major role and he also handover  responsibilities to others.  We can solve our problems with him easily.

Q There are occasions, some problems have to be discussed and solved with the President.

On such an occasion, I discussed with him. He solved them.

Q What is that problem?

It was a problem connected to our official duty. By the way, there were three proposals put forward in the last budget. Two had been approved. I did expect even the paper I submitted would be read by the President. Several MPs had submitted 10 – 15 proposals. At a time like that my proposals were accepted.

Q Do you have a constituency?

No constituency is given. But, I am the Chairman of the Wattala Development Committee. The organiser of Wattala is Neil Rupasinghe. I made my suggestion also.

Q Where did you apply to?

I requested a seat from Gampaha district without mentioning any specific area. I get about Rs. 5 million which is entitled to an  MP. It is not enough for the whole district.

Q Is the deprivation of a seat a problem for you?

As a novice, this freedom is better, on one hand. I am working for 13 seats. There are good as well as bad things. It is easy for me to build a permanent vote base if a seat is allocated. On the other hand, I am able to work in co-operation with all 13   seats.

Q You obtained preference votes not as a political personality last time. Did you?

Yes, of course.

Q Have you faced a big challenge this time?

Yes. I observed what happened to MP Anarkali. Her election work was at a high level. If that type of thing  happened to a popular character like her, we have to rethink about ourselves as well. We saw what happened to some actors. But, the persons like Roger Senevirathna won.

Q Actresses were defeated, except Geetha Kumarasinghe. What do you think of it?

I have no fear. But, there are things to be taken into consideration. We have to identify people’s needs. It is not so easy to identify their requirements. But, we have make efforts.

Q Have you  identified the problems?

I can’t say I have identified people’s problems 100%. It is unable to put all into one category. But I think that I have identified what I can do for the people. Its success has to be decided at an election.