In an interview with the Sunday Observer, Saroja Paulraj, a parliamentary candidate from the Matara District representing the National People’s Power (NPP), outlines her perspective on Sri Lanka’s political landscape and the changes she believes are essential. Paulraj said that the country’s resources, both human and natural, have long been mismanaged, with the benefits rarely reaching the public. She emphasises the need for a governance model focused on transparency and the responsible use of public funds, pointing to the NPP’s policies as aligned with these goals.
Q: What inspired you to join the National People’s Power (NPP), and how does its vision align with your personal beliefs about governance?
A: Governance should serve to improve the economic wellbeing of a country’s people. However, until now, the hard work and resources of our citizens have too often been exploited by politicians for personal gain. People rarely get the chance to live happily or benefit from their own contributions. We have an abundance of human and natural resources, which, if properly managed, could support a system that truly uplifts this country. Among all the political parties, I found only the NPP as having the policies and a proposed system that could manage these resources effectively to create a thriving nation. I wanted to be a part of a political system that genuinely works for the people’s welfare and the NPP was the best choice for me.
Q: How does the NPP plan to address the pressing social issues that the public faces, such as poverty, educational inequality and healthcare access?
A: Around70% of the families in Sri Lanka live in relative poverty. Many lack a steady income, proper housing and even regular meals. According to the United Nations Food Programme, most families in our country eat just to stem their hunger, not to nourish their bodies. Some households still live without basic necessities such as electricity and countless people haven’t seen a town outside their village. This is the stark reality in areas such as Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Hambantota.
The NPP’s vision, ‘A Thriving Nation, A Beautiful Life,’ means more than just building roads and other structures. It’s about giving people hope, a sense of happiness and the ability to dream big. First and foremost, people need access to healthy meals. Our society should have a lifestyle that embraces literature, cultural experiences and a sense of social unity. A thriving country isn’t just about wealth; it’s about people being socially, economically, spiritually and mentally well.
To achieve this, we have to change the education system. We want our children to learn from a system that matches those of developed countries, not just for the sake of free education, but to truly raise social and intellectual standards.
We’re also far behind in technological skills and language education and without these, we’re unable to face global challenges. The healthcare system is also severely lacking. Hospitals don’t even have enough beds for patients and sanitation is almost an afterthought in healthcare conversations. Period poverty is another issue that goes unaddressed, with many women and young girls still using traditional methods during menstruation due to a lack of access and awareness.
The NPP envisions a society where every citizen can experience a fulfilled life, free from poverty, with access to essential services such as education and healthcare. We’re here to bring about that change.
Q: The NPP has gained attention for its stance on anti-corruption and good governance. How does the party intend to implement these principles if it gains more political power?
A: It’s important to understand that the NPP has no animosity towards citizens who earn well and live comfortably. We believe that taxpayers deserve fair governance, where their contributions are used to serve the public, not for personal luxuries. Our focus is on ensuring that entrepreneurs and businesspeople who build their success fairly are supported. At the same time, they, along with every citizen, must pay their fair share of taxes, and we need a disciplined approach to managing public finances.
Currently, some factions work hard to earn an honest income while others abuse their power to exploit taxpayer funds. Misuse of public money is clearly corrupt, as seen in the Arjun Aloysius case. We aim to protect the Ttreasury and eliminate the misuse of funds for personal gain. Through firm governance, the NPP will eradicate bribery and corruption, ensuring that public funds are used solely for the country’s advancement. Our priority is a transparent system that respects and uplifts the people who sustain it.
Q: The current economic challenges in Sri Lanka are severe. What are the NPP’s key strategies to stabilise the economy and promoting sustainable growth?
A: Sri Lanka’s resources have not been utilised effectively to build a manufacturing economy. Successive leaders have overlooked this opportunity, and it’s clear that the traditional economic strategies are no longer viable in today’s fast-paced world. To address this, the NPP plans to drive economic growth by emphasising science, technology and human resources.
Sustainable economic development is a central goal of an NPP-led government, as we envision a self-sufficient economy that can at least partly fulfill our population’s daily needs.
Food security and a self-sustaining economy are at the heart of our strategy. While we may not achieve complete self-sufficiency right away, we aim to move as close to it as possible. We also intend to nurture entrepreneurship and create pathways to attract global investments, allowing the economy to open up and thrive. We will focus on equipping our workforce with the skills needed to meet global standards and explore international markets for unique Sri Lankan products, capitalising on their distinctive qualities to build a robust market share.
Q: As a female leader, what challenges have you faced in politics and how do you see women’s representation evolving within the NPP and Sri Lankan politics in general?
A: Women in Sri Lankan politics face unique challenges, mainly due to entrenched social beliefs that associate politics solely with men. There’s also a tendency for women to be more comfortable in controlled, dependent roles which is a mindset passed down through generations. Women in politics are often unfairly targeted based on their personal lives, focusing on their sexuality rather than their professional contributions. This atmosphere can be discouraging, but the NPP looks forward to changing it.
The NPP stands for gender equality, giving women equal opportunities, respect and acceptance. Unlike traditional political parties, where female leaders often come from prominent political families, the NPP values talent and insight into social issues. Our approach creates an environment where women can confidently participate in politics, free from fear or prejudice. Women are valued within the NPP for their abilities and contributions, where they can engage in politics on equal footing with men.
Q: If given the opportunity, what would be your first legislative priority in Parliament to help bring positive change to Sri Lankan society?
A: My foremost priority would be fostering a united Sri Lankan identity that transcends divisions based on race or religion. While religious freedom is essential, each citizen should feel a strong sense of belonging to our nation, knowing that Sri Lanka is their home. Equal respect, acceptance, and opportunities for all Sri Lankans are crucial to building a harmonious and developed society.
To support this vision, every district in the country must have equal access to developmental opportunities and resources. This means ensuring that all citizens, regardless of location, have access to the same quality of education, healthcare, and transportation, creating a fair and balanced foundation for progress.
