From Mohamed Rasshid in Digamadulla
The Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) is optimistic that the UNP which will "no doubt form the next government", will resolve the long-drawn ethnic conflict through a negotiated political solution, at least within six months of being elected, former TULF parliamentarian Mavai Senathirajah said last week.

Expressing confidence that the TULF will win 16 seats from the North-East, he stressed the importance of winning the confidence and securing the support of minority parties to evolve a permanent settlement to the country’s North-East conflict.

‘We want whatever government in power to make a genuine endeavour to resolve this crisis’, Senathirajah said in an interview with the ‘Sunday Island’ in Ampara.

Asked whether he expects the UNP to come to power at the December 5 poll, he replied, ‘there’s no doubt about it’.

‘The backing of the minority parties will be vital to form a new government’.

Q: With Mrs. Kumaratunga remaining as the President, do you think it will be possible for a new UNP government to resolve the ethnic conflict?

Senathirajah: Yes, it’s possible. The PA under President Kumaratunga failed to deliver the goods. It also failed to honour the pledges given during the then presidential and parliamentary elections to the minority Tamils. The Tamils had high hopes and confidence in Chandrika, but she failed to fulfil the aspirations of the Tamil people. That was why we withdrew our support. We can discuss the contentious issues with the LTTE at a common table. The ethnic problem didn’t start yesterday. It had been continuing since independence. Over the past two decades the LTTE was compelled to use weapons because of the atrocities perpetrated on the Tamils.

Q: But how can a Sinhalese government, going by experience of the LTTE’s track record where it used ‘peace talks’ to buy time, trust the Tigers?

A: The Norwegian peace effort was the best opportunity, but the PA government failed again. This bloody war must be brought to an end. Whether it’s the UNP or PA in power, we want the Norwegian peace process to be put back on track as a solution must be found to this problem.

Q: What made the TULF withdraw the support it extended to the PA for 7 years?

A: The government failed to arrive at a negotiated settlement with third party mediation. Since independence, Sinhalese government failed to implement the Bandaranaike-Chelvanayakam and the Dudley-Chelvanayakam pacts. Therefore, the Tamils have no confidence in Sinhalese governments. That’s why third party mediation is of vital importance. The economic embargo in the North must be lifted. Tamils are also human, they are not animals. Sinhalese leadership must realise that.

Q: Has the TULF Alliance formally decided to support the UNP?

A: It’s not a matter of who forms the next government. The government which rules the country must attach utmost importance to the ethnic problem and make a concerted effort to resolve it through a negotiated solution with the LTTE. It doesn’t matter who does it, either the UNP or the PA.

Senathirajah who is also a joint secretary and politburo member of the TULF.

A. L. M. Adhaulla, a leading SLMC candidate in Digamadulla said that his party didn’t accommodate UNP Muslim candidates on its list because the SLMC wants to assess its vote bank.

In an interview with the ‘Sunday Island’ at Ampara, he said the SLMC has faced five elections in the past and it’s prepared to face violence. ‘We want to ensure the defeat of the PA’.

Q: Is it correct that you cannot visit your home town Akkaraipattu because of threats?

A: I can go.

Q: This will be the first election the SLMC will be facing an election without its leader Ashraff. Do you think your party would be able to lead in the Digamadulla district?

A: Yes, of course. Without Ashraff we are strong enough to face an election and we are also trying to secure a bonus seat.

Asked whether the party is anticipating stiff resistance from the UNP, NUA and independent groups, he expressed the hope that the UNP will support the SLMC to get a bonus seat.

’Perhaps, we should be thankful to Ferial Ashraff for contesting under the PA. That gives us a clear coast in the district.

Q: Is it correct that there were a lot of malpractices where funds for rehabilitation and reconstruction were concerned during the past 7 years?

A: We have plans to form a committee to look into the allegations of corruption in connection with the projects carried out by this ministry.

Ali Zahir Moulana, a leading UNP candidate in Batticaloa said that his party is confident of winning around 125 seats at the forthcoming election.

The PA which ruined this country is now in a state of bankruptcy. All peace loving people are rallying around the UNP which is the only party capable of resolving the ethnic conflict, he said in an interview in Batticaloa.