In an interview with the Sunday Observer, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Eran Wickremaratne outlined his party’s preparations for the elections, the deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the need to curb corruption and recover Stolen Assets.
The following are excerpts of the interview
Q: The Economic Transformation Act (ETA) was presented to Parliament. The Government is calling it the foundation laid to strengthen the future economy.
A: There were a number of reasons why we rejected this ETA. The first is that economic percentages such as income and expenditure have been included in the second chapter of the first part of this Act. We feel that it is an attempt by the Government to legalise what is contained in the agreement with the IMF. It is not appropriate. A Government should be free to change these again. They must be changed if we are to move forward as a country.
In one Act it was not to exceed 13 percent of the Gross Domestic Product. If income goes up, if there is growth, the percentage can go much higher. There are many other practical drawbacks. It does not matter whether the proposal is suitable or not. The work done with the IMF is said to be successful. They say there are no fuel and gas queues. There are really no queues now. But there is no money in the queue. That’s the truth. The research concluded that 90 percent of Sri Lankan families have expenses that exceed their monthly income. Families have lost their savings and have gone into debt because of this. Twenty-five percent of infants do not get breastfed. One-third of Sri Lanka’s population, that is seven million people, have crossed the poverty line. Thirty-five percent of the public are depressed. Although the Government says that the problem has been solved, have they been really solved? We are talking numbers that is used to legitimise together with the IMF, but they do not talk about how it all affects the public. What are these people really measuring? After forming our Government, we will negotiate with the IMF and make some changes.
Q: The Opposition says that this should be brought to Parliament to undergo amendments. Will the revisions be included as expected by the Opposition? How will the Opposition support this Bill?
A: These people did not give time. This Bill exceeds 12 Bills that exist today. We would have found out if it was discussed. They say that an Investment Commission will be appointed and the Board of Investment (BOI) will be abolished. There are definitely flaws in the BOI. They have to be reformed. But I don’t know the reason as to why it should be adopted suddenly.
Q: If an SJB Government comes to power, will this Act be amended again?
A: Yes. Everything that has deficiencies should be revised again. We have to look into not only this Act but others too.
Q: The Anti-Corruption Act (ACA) was brought as part of the IMF’s conditions. What is the Opposition’s opinion?
A: This Bill was discussed and passed by the Committees. We also gave our support in passing that Bill. Its major drawback is that the Act does not have provisions to recover Stolen Assets, if any. It is a big drawback. There are actions on this matter at the international level. Some political parties say that we are going after the crooks. This is not like catching a thief on the street. Because of that shortcoming, we will bring a Bill in this regard as well. It has to be worked through. We have to work with international organisations. For example, if our leaders have hidden money in foreign countries, they should be disclosed through this Bill with international recognition. Now, almost a year after this Bill was passed, nothing has happened. And we are opening an Independent Prosecution Office to strengthen this. We have looked into the practical way of doing things.
Q: Presidential election dates have been announced. How are the party’s preparations?
A: We are ready for September 21. Professionals and academics will come together and formulate policies on 27 subjects and will translate them practically in our Government. The program will be announced soon. It has been a while since our election campaign started. The SJB has the largest grassroots branch network in Sri Lanka. Through that, the ground level is organised. Media, social media and some social networks are somewhat heavy on the Government side. The second is money. The Opposition has no money. The money stolen by certain politicians is now used for their election campaigns. These should also be looked into.
Q: When will the SJB candidate make the election deposit?
A: That must be done before August 15. There is time.
Q: President Ranil Wickremesinghe is running as an Independent candidate. Isn’t the Presidential election a challenge for the SJB?
A: We have no challenge. After we win the Presidential Election, Parliament will be dissolved and a new Parliament will be convened. We need a clear mandate. This Parliament has no recognition. People expected a change but they held onto power for two years after 2022.
Q: Your Party President Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka has also entered the Presidential race. Isn’t that a challenge for the SJB?
A: That question is a joke.
Q: Various people claim that there is a controversial situation between the Government and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP). Is this rift good for the SJB?
A: There is a split between the Government and the people. In fact, even if the UNP-SLPP breaks up, we will benefit. Even if they come together, we will have an advantage. If they come together, we can clearly identify the group they are protecting. If they break up, their votes will be divided, not our votes. Both are advantages from our perspective.
Q: A controversial situation has arisen regarding the current IGP’s appointment. What is the opinion of the Opposition regarding the argument raised by the Government?
A: Everyone in the country should follow the decision given by the Supreme Court. The law must apply equally to all. Even before the Supreme Court, we said in Parliament that the appointment of this IGP is illegal. The methodology of the Constitution was not followed. It was violated by the Speaker. Now the Supreme Court has said the same thing. Therefore, the decision of the Supreme Court must be followed. Secondly, I have also been a head of institutions. If I am suddenly removed from it or if I die, the institution will not go under. We build institutions. Let’s move away from personal gain. Let’s build institutions. The Police are not crippled as soon as an IGP stops working. That is a big insult to the Police.
Q: The Government declares that there will be no General Election this year?
A: We are ready for any election. Now the first thing is the Presidential Election. Parliament will be dissolved as soon as a new President is elected. The country needs a new mandate.
Translated by Jonathan Frank
