Below are excerpts from the interview:

Sri Lanka is currently facing its worst economic crisis. If you were elected as the President, what immediate steps would you take to address this crisis?

The economic crisis in Sri Lanka is undoubtedly severe, but, it requires a well-thought-out, long-term economic plan. My approach would begin by establishing a mechanism to reclaim funds that have been illicitly moved out of the country by various entities, including foreign Governments and international organisations. Implementing this mechanism would not be easy, but, it is essential. Additionally, I would advocate for a vigorous economic programme focused on building an export-oriented economy. This would involve maximising the use of our natural resources. It is important to note that my policies don’t rely on the assistance of international organisations, particularly those driven by capitalist countries. Instead, we believe in self-reliance and the development of an economy that serves the people of Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, none of the major Presidential candidates seem to have a viable plan. Most of them, including the President and independent Presidential candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe and those from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) (SJB and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa) and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People’s Power (NPP) (JVP and NPP Leader and Opposition Parliamentarian Anura Kumara Dissanayake), are relying on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme. This approach, in my view, is not a sustainable solution for our country.

Sri Lanka has already entered into an agreement with the IMF. How would you handle this agreement and the ongoing debt crisis?

Regarding the IMF agreement, my stance is quite clear. We would immediately halt all foreign debt payments for a minimum of 10 years. We would declare a moratorium on loan repayments, acknowledging the critical consequences that this decision might bring. However, it is a necessary step, and we would need to prepare the citizens to face these consequences. While this could lead to some turmoil, it is essential at this stage. Following this, we would revisit all existing loans. Our strategy would include seeking support from progressive countries, organisations, and the global working class to address our financial issues. We must look beyond traditional methods and instead pursue a collective approach to debt management. 

As for the IMF, I believe that countries like Sri Lanka, Kenya, Bangladesh, and Pakistan have faced adverse consequences due to their dependence on such international organisations. Rather than relying on external solutions, these countries should unite, form a coalition, and engage in collective bargaining with organisations like the IMF and the World Bank. We should reject the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and similar programmes, which, in my view, are merely traps that entrench economic dependency under the guise of assistance.

The 13^th Amendment has been a controversial topic in every election. What is your position on this matter?

The 13^th Amendment has often been used as a tool to garner votes from ethnic minorities during elections. Politicians frequently change their stance on this issue depending on the audience. However, we at the USP have a consistent and firm position. We believe that the Tamil community in the North and the East has the right to self-determination. This stance might be unpopular with some, but, it is what we believe is just and fair. We don’t believe that the citizens of the North and the East are particularly interested in the enforcement of the 13^th Amendment as it stands. What they need is a long-lasting solution that genuinely addresses their concerns. Granting them the right to self-determination would not, in our opinion, divide the country. On the contrary, it could lead to a more cohesive and united nation, as has been seen in other parts of the world, such as Scotland. The USP has not wavered on this issue, unlike other parties. For example, the JVP was once the most vocal critic of the 13^th Amendment, even resorting to violence to oppose it. Yet now, they have shifted their position, promising to implement the very policies that they once denounced. This inconsistency only highlights the double standards of other parties.

Would you change the Executive Presidency and the Constitution?

The Executive Presidency has been a contentious issue in Sri Lankan politics for decades. Every President elected since 1994 has promised to abolish it, but, these promises have consistently gone unfulfilled. The Constitution drastically altered the country’s political landscape, and it is high time that it is replaced. If elected, I would unconditionally abolish the Executive Presidency within the first three months of my term. We would then work towards drafting a new Constitution, with the full participation of the people. The current system is outdated and no longer serves the needs of our nation. A new Constitution, created by and for the people, would be a cornerstone of our governance.

Corruption is a vital topic in this Presidential Election. What is your plan to end corruption in Sri Lanka?

Corruption and the capitalist economic model are intrinsically linked. If we want to eradicate corruption, we must first address the underlying economic system that perpetuates it. While enacting new laws to combat corruption is necessary, it is not sufficient on its own. We need to implement systems that prevent corruption from occurring in the first place. One of the key areas that we would focus on is streamlining Government procurement procedures and making them more transparent. Additionally, we would introduce systems to make Government officials and institutions more accountable to the people. This would include enhancing the role of trade unions (TUs) in the administration of public enterprises, as they are better positioned to oversee and ensure that resources are used effectively and honestly. Furthermore, we would reduce defence related expenditures, such as maintaining an excessively large military. Given that 15 years have passed since the end of the war, the size of our military is unsustainable and unnecessary. These funds could be better allocated towards development projects and public services that directly benefit the people.

What are your plans to boost Government revenue?

Boosting Government revenue requires a multifaceted approach. One of the first steps that we would take is to transform loss-making State owned enterprises (SOEs) into profit-making institutions. Without addressing the inefficiencies within these SOEs, it will be challenging to generate the revenue needed to tackle the Budget deficit. Our approach to nationalisation would differ from that of the 1970s. We would carefully evaluate the background and potential of each institution before bringing them under State control. A collaborative administrative mechanism, involving both Government officials and trade unions, would be introduced to ensure that these institutions are run efficiently and effectively. Additionally, we would work to reduce defence related expenditures. The funds saved from reducing the size of the military could be redirected towards initiatives that contribute to the economic growth of the country.

What would be your foreign policy?

Our foreign policy would be focused on building an independent Sri Lanka that cooperates with all countries without favouritism. We don’t subscribe to slogans such as ‘non-aligned’, which, in practice, often result in a lack of clear direction. Instead, our goal is to establish relationships based on mutual respect and cooperation, ensuring that Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and interests are always protected. We would also seek to build stronger alliances with countries that share similar values and goals, particularly those that support progressive and people-centred development. By working together with these nations, we can create a more just and equitable global order.

What legal reforms would you enact if elected?

The legal system in Sri Lanka requires a complete overhaul. We have witnessed numerous issues due to the inefficiencies and delays within our current legal system. For example, the increasing number of prisoners and the prolonged duration of legal cases are direct results of these shortcomings. We would implement new laws aimed at expediting procedural delays and making the legal system more accessible and friendly to the people. Additionally, we would introduce extensive legal reforms to address corruption and crime. These reforms would focus on ensuring that justice is swift, fair, and transparent, thereby restoring public confidence in the legal system.

What are your plans for developing the education and healthcare sectors?

The current education system in Sri Lanka is in dire need of reform. We would shift the focus from merely preparing students to sit for exams to equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in the job market. Our goal is to create well-rounded individuals who can thrive in a rapidly changing world. To achieve this, we would overhaul the school syllabus to ensure that it maximises the potential of each student, allowing them to pursue their passions and interests. We would also work towards making every school in the country a ‘better school’ with equal resources and opportunities for all students. This is the only way to create a truly free and fair education system. In terms of healthcare, our main focus would be on strengthening the free healthcare system and improving the quality of public transportation services. We believe that everyone should have access to quality public services, regardless of their socio-economic status. Our goal is to make these services affordable and accessible to all, ensuring that the needs of the public are met.

What is your message to Sri Lankan voters in this Presidential Election?

My message to the Sri Lankan voters is one of consistency and conviction. Unlike many political figures who have shifted their stances over time, I have remained steadfast in my beliefs and policies since I first contested for the Presidency. This Election comes at a critical juncture in our nation’s history, where the decisions that we make will shape the future of our country. It is imperative that the electorate exercises wisdom and discernment in choosing their leaders. Now, more than ever, Sri Lanka needs leaders with unwavering integrity and a genuine commitment to the people. It is your responsibility to identify and support those who have the conscience and the courage to guide our nation towards a brighter future.

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Sahan Tennakoon

Siritunga Jayasuriya

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