The Sunday Observer spoke to Hiranya Herath, a parliamentary candidate from Nuwara Eliya representing the SJB to discuss her plans for the country. She said that she hoped the public would not vote on sentiment and popular belief that are unrealistic at the upcoming General Election. Instead, they should focus on local leaders who know the ground reality of each area notwithstanding the political party they represent.
Excerpts of the interview
Q: Given your background as an Attorney-at-Law and a local leader, how do you see your skills benefiting the people of Nuwara Eliya?
A: My background in Law provides a unique advantage, particularly in implementing policies and regulations effectively. Many politicians make grand promises or propose good initiatives, but these often fall short because they lack a practical understanding of how to execute them within the legal framework. As an Attorney-at-Law, I have the experience to formulate policies that are not only feasible but also sustainable. I know what’s required on the ground to make initiatives work not just on paper but in practice. This approach would enable me to advocate effectively for the rights and needs of the people of Nuwara Eliya, ensuring real, positive change.
Q: Nepotism and family politics are issues that many voters feel strongly about. Given your family’s political background, how do you respond to this concern, especially considering the NPP’s stance against nepotism?
A: Nepotism is an important issue and I believe any political party that opposes it must apply that standard to its own candidates as well. When we look at the NPP National List of candidates, they appear to be in contrast with the initial ideas the NPP brought in before the elections.
Personally, while I come from a political family, my path to politics wasn’t predetermined. In fact, I initially resisted the idea. My mother, for example dedicated herself to advocating for disenfranchised communities, especially in the rural areas. I came into politics with the same desire to serve, not simply because of my family ties but because I know the people, their needs, and the challenges they face. For me, politics is a way to continue the work my mother did — to give a voice to those who often go unheard. So, while family politics can be problematic, I see my role not as a privilege but as a responsibility to make a meaningful difference.
Q: What are the key issues you plan to address in Nuwara Eliya, if elected?
A: One of the primary issues in Nuwara Eliya is the gap between resources and infrastructure. I’ve travelled extensively across the area — from Walapane and Haguranketha to Maskeliya and Kotmale — and noticed that while Nuwara Eliya is agriculturally rich, basic needs such as sanitation, clean drinking water and adequate infrastructure are not being met. Despite agriculture being the backbone of our economy, especially in Nuwara Eliya, where vegetable production thrives, we paradoxically face high malnutrition rates. This shortcoming points to a need for policies that bridge the gap between agricultural wealth and community well-being.
Addressing the basic needs is crucial, not only in Nuwara Eliya but across villages nationwide. Every community deserves access to safe drinking water and sanitation. With agriculture as a central economic activity, we need to support farmers and ensure that they and consumers benefit from fair practices and safeguards. These supports are necessary for us to prevent farmers and consumers from facing a struggle.
Q: What challenges did you experience transitioning from the UNP to the SJB and how does the SJB align with your vision for Sri Lanka?
A: To be honest, I joined the UNP as an organiser in Walapane only in late 2017. My time with them was brief and I didn’t have extensive experience with the inner workings of both parties. But in my short time in the UNP and then in the SJB, I felt that the SJB as a newer and younger party offered a more open platform for young politicians such as myself to voice concerns and participate actively. Unlike the rigid structure I experienced in the UNP, the SJB allowed us to engage rather than just function within a set mechanism.
As a party, the SJB is at a formative stage, which means we can develop and build on our structure to address the needs of Sri Lankans in a progressive way. Traditional politics has, in many ways distanced itself from the people. The SJB is giving a hearing to these concerns and is committed to moving away from traditional politics to become more relevant to today’s Sri Lanka. We aim to encourage fresh political voices and to bring forward leaders who will prioritise the needs of the people over personal or party gain.
Q: Sajith Premadasa lost the recent Presidential election. Do you believe the party has taken a lesson from this defeat and do you think Premadasa can address Sri Lanka’s larger issues?
A: It’s true that the recent election didn’t yield a majority vote for any single candidate, so I don’t view Sajith Premadasa’s outcome as a failure in the traditional sense. Rather than a rejection, the vote was split between different parties and visions. I believe the outcome reflected a collective desire for change and new solutions rather than a clear rejection of our vision.
I feel people voted for a certain sentiment in this election. So, there was no clear rejection of Sajith Premadasa or clear embrace of Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The SJB has consistently focused on realistic, achievable solutions to bring Sri Lanka out of its economic crisis, and we didn’t make unfeasible campaign promises. Although this may not have brought immediate popularity, we stayed true to our manifesto, focusing on reforms and sustainable economic recovery rather than simply chasing after votes. I think Sajith Premadasa and the SJB’s leadership have the experience and capability to enact these changes if given the chance, with a firm foundation in both realistic policies and practical political experience.
Q: In your view, what is the NPP Government doing well, and where do they fall short?
A: Ultimately, regardless of personal or party affiliations, we all want the best for Sri Lanka, as we are all “shareholders” in its future. While it’s early in the new administration’s term, I hope that their decisions are truly aimed at benefitting the country and its people rather than pursuing short-term political gains. Time will reveal the effectiveness of their decisions, and as citizens, we all hope for responsible and constructive governance.
Q: Given the ongoing desire for reform in Sri Lankan politics, what qualities do you believe are essential in leaders to ensure genuine progress rather than superficial change?
A: In recent years, we’ve seen how emotional voting driven by frustration often leads to unforeseen consequences. People, understandably, view elections as a chance to express their dissatisfaction with hardships they’ve endured. However, when this frustration fuels voting decisions, it can result in electing candidates who offer temporary solutions or appealing campaign promises without a realistic plan for implementation.
For a lasting change, it’s crucial that voters take a closer look at candidates’ track records, understand the policies being proposed, and assess if these policies can realistically address the issues at hand. This is especially vital in parliamentary elections, where local representation directly impacts the well-being of communities. By choosing representatives based on their qualifications and their genuine need for effective governance, rather than simply seeking change for its own sake, we can cultivate a Government that genuinely prioritises Sri Lanka’s progress.
When voters take the time to analyse candidates’ capabilities and intentions, they’re contributing to a political landscape that is more focused on sustainable solutions rather than short-term fixes.
Q: What would be your first legislative priority in Parliament to help bring positive change to Sri Lanka?
A: Representing a rural area such as Walapane, I’ve witnessed first-hand the disparities between urban and rural areas in Sri Lanka. I went to school in Colombo, but Walapane is my home, and the lack of infrastructure and economic hardship there is evident. Therefore, my legislative priorities would focus on developing basic infrastructure in rural areas, advancing women’s rights, and implementing effective policies in agriculture.
Agriculture is a vital sector for communities in Walapane, where 75 percent of people depend on it for their livelihood I have seen the disparity between effective legislation and the ground realities. The difference I see is when you’re on the ground, when you’re in touch with what’s going on at local level, you’re better able to implement effective policies than policies that look good on paper. These initiatives uplifting rural communities, empowering women, and making agriculture more effective would be the key points I’d champion in Parliament.
