By
Menaka Indrakumar
United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) candidate at the upcoming Western Provincial Council Election, Hirunika Premachandra, is at present the cynosure of all eyes in the political firmament. Being the talk of the nation, Hirunika shared her views in several areas with regard to her personal and political life.
Despite the untimely death of her beloved father, Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra in October 2012, Hirunika remains a strong young woman, refuting all the stories that are floating about her, and clearly outlines the path she intends taking to turn out to be a good politician. Speaking to Ceylon Today, she s clearly articulated her stand on some crucial issues that have hot topics of debate and conversation in the country.
Excerpts:
Q: Rumours have surfaced that you have been proposed by Kumara Welgama for his son, is that true?
A: There is nothing like that. He is my father’s very good friend. He was only joking.
Q: Now that you are in politics, do you want to marry into a politically influential family?
A: Now I am in politics. Whoever I am going to be with should love politics and also play a supportive role in my political career.
Q: Some People have already started saying that you would be a best bet to be the President of Sri Lanka one day. What is your comment?
A: Oh my God, I don’t know. I am so thrilled that people have so much of faith in me and it’s truly encouraging indeed. Right now I am focused towards winning the forthcoming polls for the Western province.
Q: Some say that you are always concerned about your charisma and using it as a tool for your political career. How do you see it?
A: I have never said that I am beautiful. What I have quoted was never go after beauty and look beyond it. Look at someone’s political background, good visions for the nation and that’s what people should be concerned about. We have learned our lessons in the past. That’s what I have stated before, I don’t see myself as beautiful and there are very beautiful women in our country. I believe that people should not have any misunderstanding over my political career and over my physical appearance. One’s physical appearance cannot be a deciding factor in politics.
Q: Do you think prostitution should be legalized in Sri Lanka?
A: I am a Buddhist. Centuries back prostitution did exist here and there. As a Buddhist nation and being a Theravada Buddhist country, we shouldn’t do prostitution nor legalize it. This could lead to problems in the traditional lifestyle in our country. We don’t need another Thailand here. I am not for prostitution in the country.
Q: What’s your view on abortion?
A: I am completely against it. If two individuals are together they should be responsible for their actions and take necessary protection. We are destroying a life and it’s against my religion and the law of the country.
There are cases where it cannot be avoided, if a 16-year-old girl is sexually abused and when she conceives she could be considered for abortion. The young girl has a future and a life to live. Abortion should be banned. It is not meant for our country.
Q: What type of a life partner do you expect?
A: I want somebody who will always stand up for me. I am not into looks. I always wanted someone who will protect me and listen to me. A supportive guy, who adores me and treats me like his daughter. He and I should be good friends, from there be his girl friend and later a wife and a mother to him. Adding it all up I want him to be my best better half in life.
COURTESY:CEYLON TODAY