In an exclusive interview with the Sunday Observer this week Leader of the House and Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, Bimal Ratnayake shared his insights on the challenges and strategies that the Government faces in a rapidly changing global and domestic landscape.
From navigating political sovereignty amidst shifting global power dynamics to addressing social issues such as marginalised communities, Ratnayake provided a candid perspective on the Government’s priorities and future plans. With a focus on political, economic and social stability, the interview sheds light on the Government’s commitment to tackling key national issues while striving for reconciliation and development across the country.
Excerpts of the interview
Q: You previously mentioned that the National People’s Power (NPP) is assuming power during a challenging global transition, marked by significant political and economic shifts. Now that you are in power, how do you assess the current situation?
When a country loses its economic sovereignty, its political sovereignty diminishes accordingly. This is the situation we find ourselves in today. However, the U.S. is gradually losing its dominance as a superpower, while China is rising to take its place, with other competitors also emerging on the global stage. In such a situation, it is safer for us to move forward based on principles rather than engaging in political manoeuvering, as there are no dominant powers to rely on. Problems will only arise if we make reckless decisions, like the President of Ukraine. In other words, we must avoid opportunistic politics and instead pursue a principled approach whether it involves collaborating with China or India.
Our country still faces challenges related to sovereignty. Without economic sovereignty, political sovereignty remains unattainable. However, our Government has resolved a long-standing sovereignty issue in Sri Lanka’s North that persisted for centuries. Historically, the politics of the North and the East were influenced by South India. Factors such as the civil war allowed the Indian Central Government to exert some influence over our affairs. However, following the recent elections, this is no longer the case. No one can now claim that the North or the East belongs to them.
Q: Why was it important to include a special focus on children with autism in the recently proposed Budget in Parliament?
As a Government, we have first focused on laying the foundation to stabilise the country’s economy in the Budget, with an allocation of Rs 1.4 trillion for this purpose. The second priority is political stability, which the people have entrusted to us and we must safeguard it. However, even with both of these, progress cannot be made without social stability.
One key observation we made was the existence of a large group of marginalised individuals who often go unnoticed—especially the elderly, the differently-abled, and children in orphanages. Our Government needs to send a clear message to them: ‘Do not be afraid, we are here to take care of you if you come into the broader community.’ This is the reason we included this focus in the Budget.
Q: There are still political prisoners in our country who were arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and remain in prison. Prior to the election, the President pledged that they would be released, but this has not yet taken place. What is your stance on this matter?
Releasing these individuals is not a straightforward matter. None of those currently in prison are mere suspects. All have been convicted by the Court. As such, they cannot be granted amnesty in the same manner as previous Presidents have done. We must adhere to proper procedure.
The crimes for which these prisoners were arrested and sentenced are very serious. They are involved in major incidents, such as assassination plots against former Presidents, the Piliyandala bus bombing, the Central Bank bombing and the Kandy Dalada Maligawa bombing, among others. Therefore, releasing them is not an easy decision.
The aim is not just to foster unity within society but also to prevent anyone from exploiting the situation for political gain. Currently, the President, the Ministry of Defence, and the Prisons Department have been instructed to submit a report on these prisoners for further review.
Q: The construction of Buddhist temples in residential areas in the North and the East has sparked controversy. There are allegations that agricultural lands in these regions are being encroached upon under the guise of preserving archaeological sites. What is your response to these concerns?
If we make decisions without considering the need for reconciliation, it will only benefit the extremists on both sides. When any wrong persists over time, a social system slowly builds around it. For example, there is a group of people who earn a living from the Kankesanthurai Tissa temple. Buses travel from the South, and people come on pilgrimage there. Some from that town also profit from the temple. The same situation applies to Kurundhi. Our Government’s aim is to find a better solution by bringing together as many groups of people as possible, without focusing solely on legal approaches.
By focusing only on a few incidents affecting the North and the East, we risk overlooking the fundamental issues faced by these communities. There are Ministers who have allowed these issues to grow and come into Parliament as a result. Countries such as South Africa have only been able to resolve such issues by fully addressing the underlying problems. From now on, we will not allow racism to grow or allow new divisions to form.
Many of these projects were implemented in the past for political gain. In fact, minority communities in the North and the East were the ones who historically preserved archaeological monuments. Now, these monuments are being destroyed because they are being used for political purposes. Therefore, we are working to resolve these issues in the next two to three years and shift the focus of people’s minds. If this doesn’t happen, we will take the matter to Court.
Q: Development in the Northern Province has been slow, with the region being left behind due to the war and its aftermath. Politically, it has remained distanced from the South. What plans does your Government have for the region’s development?
We are committed to addressing the transportation challenges faced by the people in the Northern Province. This includes significant improvements to infrastructure, such as enhancing the railway system and airport facilities. We will be constructing new roads and rehabilitating existing ones. The Ministry of Industries plans to set up three new industrial zones in the region in Kankesanthurai, Mankulam, and Paranathan. We are also focused on expanding the tourism sector in the Northern Province to boost economic opportunities. Land distribution will be carried out in phases and many roads that had been closed for years are now open. More public lands will be allocated to the people in the future as part of these development efforts.
Q: What is your Government’s stance on enforced disappearances that occurred immediately after the end of the conflict in 2009?
We have recently passed a Law to issue death certificates to those who have disappeared and funds have been allocated to provide them with reparations. We are working to strengthen the Office of Missing Persons. Moving forward, we are focusing on economic and social development, although this remains a challenge. The pain of those who have disappeared will linger for generations and unfortunately, it is a wound that cannot be fully healed. However, the Government and the broader community can at least offer the recognition and respect these individuals deserve. We are committed to holding the Provincial Council elections without delay.
Q: The NPP has long promised to draft a new Constitution. What kind of political solution will it offer to minorities through this?
Our current Constitution is 70-year- old, drafted by J.R Jayewardene when he was 70. It is outdated. The new Constitution we are working on aims to unite everyone in the context of the modern world. It will include all parties and incorporate practical power-sharing that goes beyond the current system.
For example, the only connection between the Vanni and Jaffna is language, while Kalmunai and Pottuvil are linked by religion. While Kalmunai has seen significant development in the economy, arts and culture, Pottuvil remains underdeveloped and impoverished. Our new Constitution will address these disparities and ensure equal recognition for all three major languages, reflecting the diverse needs of our people.
Q: The NPP was accused of not including a Muslim member in the Cabinet. Your response?
In our Cabinet, we have not discriminated against senior party members or those from different linguistic, ethnic or religious backgrounds. We have provided opportunities based on qualifications. We must acknowledge that historically, while Muslims have been part of our political landscape, there have been no Muslim leaders.
In 2000, we brought two individuals into the National List, but both eventually left the party. Some people believe that their rights can only be secured through a Muslim Minister or expect a Minister specifically for their region. However, our Government does not operate in this manner. We work under a policy aimed at the collective good. Unfortunately, the mindset of the people has not yet aligned with this approach. We will not allow such narrow-minded thinking to prevail. As a nation, we cannot progress if we continue to think in such limited terms.
Q: You mentioned the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). Was the repeal of the said Act in your election manifesto? But it has not happened yet. Why is that?
Since 1970, our party’s position has been to repeal the PTA. Even though there is no terrorism in Sri Lanka, international terrorism still exists. Therefore, our country needs a law against terrorism as seen in democratic countries of the world instead of the PTA. Domestic laws in our country are important for all matters such as international policies and tourism. We have now appointed a new committee to draft an anti-terrorism Law suitable for our country. The new Law may be enacted within this year.
Q: There is a common perception among the public that despite having power, your Government is not in full control, which is why incidents such as murders and robberies continue to take place. Do you agree with this view?
We can’t completely deny this perception. Some situations seem beyond our immediate control and it’s not always possible to address them right away. The underworld operates within an economy driven by drugs and illegal transactions. Unfortunately, there are still individuals within the police and military trying to cover up crimes or engage in unlawful activities. Recent incidents highlight this issue. However, it would not be accurate to say that the Government is completely out of control because of these factors. Nonetheless, it is clear that there is a problem that needs to be addressed.
Q: US President Donald Trump’s statement on Gaza has sparked significant international debate. He said that “the people of Gaza will be evicted and settled in other countries, and Gaza will be turned into a tourist destination.” As the head of the Palestinian Unity Council and a Senior Minister, what is your perspective on this statement?
Trump’s statement is an expression of racism and it is highly unrealistic. Gaza has a history that spans over 4,250 years, long before the existence of America and such an idea will never come to fruition. Palestine is not under the control of Hamas but is recognised as part of international sovereignty. One day, Palestine will be liberated. What Trump is attempting is a war that cannot be won, and what is happening in America is a reflection of capitalism. The wealthy may believe they can dominate everything, but the people are far more powerful than guns. The creation of an independent Palestine is simply a matter of time.
