by
Camelia Nathaniel
Former media spokesman of the LTTE Velayutham Dayanidhi alias Daya Master is to contest for the forthcoming Northern Provincial Council election under the UPFA banner. He said that his decision to contest is aimed at developing the Northern Province and improving the lives of the war affected people in the North.
Following are excerpts of the interview:
Q: Do you think that the holding of the Northern Provincial Council election would help in post war reconciliation?
A: Yes, I certainly think so. My main purpose in contesting for the Northern Provincial Council elections is to develop the Northern Province and improve the lives of the war affected, including the ex-LTTE cadres.
Q: Do you have a specific plan or road map regarding the measures you intend to implement with regard to the upliftment of the lives of the war affected, including the ex-LTTE cadres?
A: Yes, if I win the election I will look into the issues that are affecting them with special focus on development measures that will address their grievances and issues related to employment, etc.
Q. How do you view the current situation in the Northern Province and what changes could we expect to see after the elections are held?
A: I have certain plans to develop the Northern Province and with the government’s assistance I am certain that we will be able to achieve those goals. It will be a perfect opportunity to not only develop the area, infrastructure, etc., but to work towards improving the quality of life of the people too who have suffered a great deal during the war.
Q: What are your views on the government’s moves to make certain changes to the 13th Amendment?
A: Well, although there are plenty of views regarding the government’s intentions to make certain changes to the 13th Amendment, the fact remains that so far the government has not taken any steps to dilute the 13th Amendment. The nominations have been announced and since the government has not taken any steps to dilute it, there is no necessity to talk about it or speculate.
Q: However, in case certain amendments are made to the 13th Amendment, do you think the Northern Provincial Council will be able to function effectively?
A: Since the government has so far not done so, I do not want to comment on it. However if the government does make such changes, then I will express my opinion at a later date.
Q: What is the government’s main theme for the Northern Provincial Council elections?
A: So far we have not discussed a particular theme as such, but according to my views and intentions my priority is to develop the area and create better living standards and employment opportunities.
Q: Do you feel that this government is capable of solving all the issues faced by the Tamil people?
A: Yes definitely. The government is committed to solving the issues faced by the Tamil people and it is because I have faith in them that I have decided to contest, in order to serve the Tamil people in these areas.
Q: How do the Tamil people view your decision to contest this Northern Provincial Council Election on a government ticket?
A: I think that the people have accepted my decision and they understand that the best way to develop the Northern Province is by accepting it. If I am to help the war affected people, especially the war affected widows and the ex-LTTE cadres, then they will have to accept my decision and have trust in me and the government.
Q: How do the other Tamil political parties view your decision to contest on a government ticket?
A: Every political party has its own agendas. Therefore they may oppose especially the main parties, but the point I want to stress is that no matter who wins, this is the first time the elections are going to be held and the main priority should be to develop the Northern province that was devastated due to decades of war, and create a better life for the people. So it doesn’t matter to me who opposes or who is unhappy with my decision. My priority is to serve the people and if given the opportunity I will strive to achieve that target.
COURTESY:THE SUNDAY LEADER