Q: THE main opposition has been agitating against the spate of killings that have taken place in the country. Has there been any success in this regard?

A: The agitation would be successful only if the government takes corrective measures to curb the violence spree that has been released against leading political figures. This is not happening. The government is turning a blind eye to the present situation. But we will continue to agitate against these acts of terror which the government I feel is not doing anything about at the moment. Our aim is to open the eyes of the government to this type of brutal killings of our party men and others.

Q: Do you think the crime rate is unprecedented and if so what do you see as the cause for this?

A: Most certainly in the recent past the crime rate has become unprecedented. Take for example the brutal and tactical assassination of M. K. Ranjith within the high security zone and at the doorstep of the CID. Is this not unprecedented? If the police could not prevent murder taking place in the HSZ at least they could have apprehended the assassins. But that did not happen. I see the reason for this as the government not recognising the fact that there is a spate of 'sponsored' violence taking place at the moment. It is an obvious fact that the situation would escalate to unprecedented levels especially because there are no corrective measures taken. This is why we are protesting.

Q: Do you think politicians are directly involved in these killings and if anyone of your members are found to be involved in these acts of terror would you take action against them?

A: Most certainly. Action would be taken against anybody who is inciting violence. About politicians getting involved in these killings, I may not be able to answer it since currently investigations are being carried out by police. It is up to them to say who is involved directly.

Q: Last Thursday the main opposition carried out an ugly protest against the government inside parliament with some MPs like Mangala Samaraweera and Dilan Perera behaving like hooligans. Was this protest carried out with your blessings?

A: Today we function in and out of parliament as a collective opposition. In collectivity there is unison.

Q: Though the PA members were conducting a mock funeral inside parliament, the JVP however was seen maintaining a low profile. How do you view this when both the JVP and SLFP are trying to tie up?

A: The JVP participated equally and collectively. In the democratic process one has the freedom to express their views to whatever extent they feel necessary. Remember once again we are a collective opposition. Also, at the moment, discussions are still on with regard to the JVP-SLFP alliance. There are some areas which need more deliberations and we are working on these.

Q: Reports indicate the proposed plan for both the JVP and SLFP to coalesce is facing a crisis situation. What is happening?

A: I do not think that the negotiations are facing a crisis situation. Where there are different views it takes longer to negotiate and come to a final agreement. On the aspect of practicality well, if we can agree to a common path in the best interest of our motherland it would be a very pragmatic and practical approach. But the discussions are going on between both parties and we assume something positive would happen.

Q: Some opposition members have said it is high time President Chandrika Kumaratunga brought under her control the Police Department. Are you aware of it?

A: I am really not aware of it. Some members may have said it. However in my view the President has the constitutional right and authority to take over any ministry or institution at any given point of time for whatever reason for the good of the nation. I am not aware of any action of such. However let me reiterate the fact that a solution is required as soon as possible to the present crime situation in the country.

Q: In another two years President Kumaratunga will have to step down from her presidency. But yet the PA has not been able to identify a potential presidential candidate. Has the party given thought to it?

A: The party will address the question when the time comes. I have a feeling it is a little too premature to think about it.

Q: In the meantime you have been portrayed as the most suitable candidate for this post by a section of the opposition. If given the chance would you accept it?

A: No. It is not a question of accepting or rejecting. A section of the PA may think this way, but finally it is the party's central committee that should decide upon this.

Q: Why do you think Anura Bandaranaike has already begun strengthening himself by appointing special committees for this post. Do you think he is suitable?

A: In any democratic political system or party there are aspirants for the leadership. This is the true nature of the democracy in our party. When the appropriate time comes the party membership would decide on this factor.

Q: Today is the party convention and what role would you play being one of the pioneer members of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP)?

A: We all have an equal role to play in the party. I have for the last 35 years been with the SLFP and we have toiled to bring the party to its present position. Today what is of paramount imporatnce is to re-model the party and strengthen the grassroot level organisation in order to face the many challenges ahead. The most important factor here is to tune us towards finding solutions to the many problems faced by the polity of Sri Lanka. And I must emphasise here that our party is fully geared to face any such national problem. We did govern the country and showed our capability after we won in 1994. In fact it was our party that started the peace process for the first time in this country. Now it is only a matter of doing some extra work to further strengthen and streamline the party especially at the grassroot level.

Q: The main opposition claims that Sri Lanka cannot benefit by the substantial aid package received in Tokyo. Do you feel the same?

A: Before we talk about utilisation what we need to know are the conditions under which these monies have been pledged. As per our understanding there are conditions and or pre-requisites that has been imposed on the peace process, economic conditions such as privatisation of i.e. water, electricity, fisheries harbours etc. There is also the question of interest and repayment period. According to the information we have the annual interest payment amounts to somewhere in the region of US$ 220 million. Can the Sri Lankan economy sustain this? Unless the government has not effectively negotiated terms with the donor countries especially when considering the cost benefit analysis of the utilisation of such funds, wherein the benefit from numerous development projects would be more socially oriented than financially, Sri Lanka in time to come will be a heavily debt ridden country.

Q: The LTTE has demanded for a politico-administrative structure rejecting all other proposals put forward by the government. Do you think this is justifiable?

A: An interim council or an 'administrative structure' has been suggested to the LTTE both by the then PA government and the UNF presently. The difference being that the UNF in its endeavour is not clear in their approach. I would say that they are trying to 'run with the rabbit and hunt with the hound.' Let the government be transparent in their attempts at peace. Though the government says that they want a consultation process firstly with President Kumaratunga and all other parties, their actions do not portray this. Our stand is very clear. We have declared this through the package introduced in 2001. The President agreed to an interim administrative structure based on conditions