GOVT. DOES NOT WANT TO SEE TAMIL UNITY IN NORTH: COALITION MP
government MP Praba ganesan who has joined the group of ministers who are against the repealing of the 13th amendment defended his stand strongly during an interview with the Daily Mirror. earlier, Mr. ganesan had even gone to the extent of calling for a
Q: What are the problems faced by the Tamils in the North and are you happy with the way the government is handling them?
A: We are happy with the resettlement process as it has been successful. The development work in the war affected areas is underway. Apart from the war affected areas, the government assisted me in developing Tam- il schools in Colombo and in upgrading infrastructure facilities in the estates. Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa supported me in this process and allocated funds for this work. However, the security forces have taken over a large extent of land in the North. These lands should be handed over to the people.
Q: What do you think of the government’s decision to repeal some of the provisions of the 13th Amendment? Do you agree with it?
A: No I am against it. I cannot vote for it. If I vote for it, I will have to vote for the repealing of police powers as well, in the event a proposal is presented to Parliament. In fact, I believe that the provincial councils should be given more powers. I was able to get assistance from Western Province Chief Minister Prasanna Ranatunga to develop Tamil schools in the province. The former Chief Minister Reginald Cooray too assisted me in the past. Therefore, I think provincial councils are useful. I will therefore vote against the repealing of the 13th Amendment. I have made this decision after discussing with other members of the government such as Ministers Rajitha Senaratne, Vasudeva Nanayakkara and also with the TNA. We will see that the government will not get the sufficient two thirds majority to make amendments to the 13A.
Q: What will be your political future as you have decided to go against the government?
A: I will go against the government only on the issues pertaining to the 13th Amendment. Therefore, I will remain with the government even if I vote against the repealing of the 13th Amendment. I will remain with the government so I will be able to help the Tamil community. I have been able to get help from the government already. But if the government does not want me, I will quit.
Q: But it was reported that President Mahinda Rajapaksa had asked the government parliamentary group to abide by the government’s stand. What do you make of that?
A: He only told that to the SLFP members and I am not an SLFPer. Besides the government should be grateful to me because I was the first to come out and support the 18th Amendment. Q: What do you think of the role played by India which is actually promoting a political solution based on the 13th Amendment?
A: India wanted all Tamil political parties to get together and lobby for the 13th Amendment. But the TNA decided to go solo until recently. But now, they seemed to be more flexible than before. Besides, I think India has the obligations to intervene as the majority of the people are of Indian origin. There is a population of 1.6 million Tamils of Indian origin against 1.4 million other Tamils.
Q: But do you think it is right for a county to interfere in another country’s internal matters?
I think India has the obligations to intervene as the majority of the people are of Indian origin. There is a population of 1.6 million Tamils of Indian origin against 1.4 million other Tamils
A: It was late President J. R. Jayawardene who invited India to play a role in resolving Sri Lankas national issue. This is how the Indo Lanka accord came into being. India has an obligation to intervene because of the accord. There would be more pressure from India if the government decides to abolish the provincial councils. Q: Some suggest devolving power to district councils could be a better option. What is your opinion on that?
A: The government is also promoting district councils because its intention is to follow a divide and rule policy. It does not want the Tamils in the North to come together. This is why the district councils system is promoted. But provincial councils are a better option as a collective effort can be put in to resolve the problems in the North through a provincial council.
Some of these parties, who want provincial councils abolished, should first ask its members to resign from provincial councils. Some of them including Minister Wimal Weerawansa need to remember that they started their political career through provincial councils.