Joint Opposition (JO) firebrand MP Vasudeva Nanayakkara - supporting the arguments put forward by the SLFP MPs in the incumbent President’s camp that the presidential candidate should be selected only with the consent of the SLPP and the SLFP — said that, in such a scenario, it is essential for both parties to enter into an agreement to ensure the victory of the progressive camp at the forthcoming Presidential Election.
He further said that they have made sufficient overtures and have also told the Rajapaksas and other leaders of the JO of the importance of unity between the stakeholders. MP Nanayakkara, in an interview with the Sunday Observer, said he will naturally support the candidate eventually chosen by the JO notwithstanding his concerns in respect of certain issues.
Q: Do you have any reservations in supporting former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa as presidential candidate?
A: If Gotabaya is the candidate, I have to support him because I belong to the Joint Opposition (JO) camp. We have to defend our camp and we have to ensure the victory of our candidate. Of course, we should defeat the UNP candidate. Whoever our candidate is, we have to be behind him in order to achieve victory of our camp.
Therefore, we will naturally support the candidate chosen by the JO notwithstanding our concerns in respect of certain issues. But the announcement of the presidential candidate has not made as yet.
Q: Do you think the Gotabaya candidacy is an extension of family bandyism as alleged by some politicians?
A: There is the family relationship to the former President. But that is not the most important factor in selecting him or the popular call for his candidature. The main point is his efficient administration and strong character and his performance during the war. These are the facets that have made him popular.
Q: With his military mindset, could he be a real democratic leader?
A: I think he has to transform himself more as a people’s politician than a military officer. When we met him, we raised this issue and he said, “Yes, I know I have to transform my approach, attitude and ways in going on with the campaign and thereafter.”
Q: Is Gotabaya really fit to run the country as the Executive President?
A: There is not very much that he has to do, since the major part of the work will be in the hands of the Cabinet and the Prime Minister. He will have limited duties and the possibility of conflicts will not arise such as between the incumbent President and the Prime Minister. In view of the 19th Amendment, the powers that he will exercise will also be limited, unlike the present President. So, I don’t think there is a major problem.
Q: There is a notion that since the powers of the Presidency have been largely curtailed by the 19th Amendment, the office will be merely symbolic. What are your views?
A: No. It will not be a ceremonial post. There will be some powers to make certain appointments and there will be certain powers such as being the Head of the Government and exercising control over the tri-forces.
Q: Are there any reasonable political or other grounds to oppose his candidacy?
A: I don’t think there is a serious problem about his candidacy or why he should be opposed. Because the type of candidate we need for the presidency is one who can inspire the people. He can inspire the people and, therefore, I believe there is nothing that could be raised to oppose him.
Q: Do you think Gotabaya could sufficiently muster the support of the minorities?
A: I think so. The Tamil vote will come in a big way because there are new circumstances in the Tamil mindset and in areas such as the Eastern Province where the Tamils have grievances of being oppressed by the other community.
Therefore, there will be the expectation that the situation will be brought under control by the intervention of Gotabaya. There is a lot of violence in the North by various groups such as the Ava group and the people feel insecure and, as such, they think a strong Government is necessary to curtail or to bring their violent activities under control.
The democratic character of the Government must be reconditioned or bottom lined. We can’t let the democratic principles or democratic processes be sidelined, whatever the efficiency of the Government might be.
Q: The SLFP MPs aligned with the President have said that they won’t agree or extend their support to a presidential candidate nominated by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and the selection of a candidate has to be done with the consent of both parties. Your views?
A: It is logical. If they expect to work together and for the SLFP to be on our platform, then there has to be some agreement between them and us. I believe we have made sufficient overtures and we have also told the Rajapaksas and other leaders of the Joint Opposition that we must come to some understanding with the SLFP and the incumbent President.
Q: Do you think Gotabaya is the right person to put the country back on the track politically, economically and socially?
A: I think he can be of great use for the Government to be led by Mahinda Rajapaksa. He will greatly contribute to Mahinda Rajapaksa who will be elected Prime Minister at the forthcoming General Election following the Presidential Election. In such a combination, I think the country will progress.
Q: Whoever is elected President, it will be a massive task to reverse the current political process in the country, specially with regard to international relations. How do you view this?
A: At present, international relations has gone in a different direction. I think this will have to be reviewed within the limits of our non-aligned policy.
Q: There is speculation about foreign powers having a hand in domestic politics. Your views?
A: It has always been so. Either our neighbours or the Western powers have been meddling in our affairs for a very long time. They want their interest put in priority in the country’s foreign relations. There is also the emerging country, China, extending its influence across the globe. We are a country located in a very important geographical position not only militarily but even for trading and other important purposes.