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The JVP-SLFP alliance will last till UNF Govt. is defeated, says Tilvin

By Shelani Perera
In what could be a significant landmark in Sri Lanka's political map, the JVP and the SLFP are holding talks to form an alliance aimed at defeating the UNF government and preparing the people for an election.

With the ethnic issue, economy and democratic reforms being the three main issues of a memorandum of understanding between the two parties, JVP leader Tilvin Silva spells out goals of the new alliance. Excerpts of the interview;

What is the main reason for the JVP to form an alliance with the SLFP?

It is the ceasefire agreement between the Government and the LTTE. We believe that this agreement, instead of bringing about peace, offers necessary conditions for the LTTE to set up Eelam. When we analyse the events during the one year of the ceasefire agreement, it is clear that the LTTE has been preparing the ground for a war while the government has miserably failed to put the economy on the right track. We, therefore, believe that the UNF government is not in a position to stop the erosion of the country's sovereignty and solve this problem. So we feel that it is our responsibility salvage the country and strengthen the economy.

Can you outline the proposed memorandum of understanding between the JVP and the SLFP?
Our aim is to bring in constitutional reforms that will ensure equal rights for all and strengthen good governance and democracy. We hope these reforms will help solve the ethnic problem. We will also draw up a plan to revive the economy and bring relief to the people.

At what stage are negotiations?
We are working out contents of the agreement, which is centred on three key issues - the ethnic question, the economy and democracy. We hope to complete it within the next two months. We will hold one more meeting this month to study certain SLFP proposals.

It is reported that a section of the SLFP is opposing this alliance.
We understand there was some opposition at the beginning. But those who opposed the alliance have now changed their mind because they realize this is the only way to save the country.

What about the other parties in the PA?
The other parties you are talking about are the LSSP and the CP. These two parties cannot win a single seat if they contest on their own. The PA cannot come to power with parties that have no support of the people. The JVP, a people-based party, does not take seriously what such parties say. We are talking only to the SLFP. We have no objection if the SLFP talks to the constituent parties in the People's Alliance.

Does the MoU envisage a time frame?
There is no time frame but we will abide by the MoU, the aim of which is the forming of a new government.

How does this MoU differ from what you signed with the PA two years ago?
The last MoU had a time frame of one year and it was centred on few proposals, but this time we are looking at a broader and longer plan to form a government.

Did the JVP gain any benefits from the last MoU?
We did achieve a lot though there were some drawbacks. One of the achievements is the setting up of independent commissions. This would never have come into force if we had not insisted on it. We called for the writing off of farmer loans and the downsizing of the cabinet. But it is sad the people could not derive the full benefits of the MoU.

But this time, it is a different scenario. We will draw up a plan, present it before the people, go for an election and then form the government. So it is unlikely, the proposed MoU will collapse.

Is there a plan to topple the government without going for election?
There is a possibility. It is legal, but we believe that a government, which does not have the support of the people, cannot last. We also feel that the JVP-PA alliance has a larger people-support base. Going by the 2001 election results, we feel that the new alliance has a good chance of forming a government and this is a better option.

The PA and the JVP hold contrasting views on the ethnic issue. How will this affect the MoU?
We won't dwell on these differences. That is why we are formulating a common stand on key issues. Forming an alliance does not mean that parties have to give up their ideals. For instance, we believe in socialism, but we won't promote socialism through the MoU. It is true that the national issue is important but we feel that each party can hold its own views. But if all parties can come to a common stand on the need to defeat the Government, then we can achieve this.

If there is an election soon, will you go it alone or contest as an SLFP-JVP alliance?
If we can agree on the MoU, we will be able to face any election together.
l Will tomorrow's joint opposition protest rally be an indication that all future protests will be carried out under one banner?

We have to decide on that, but each party can hold its own protest. If we are against a particular issue we will hold a protest on our own. If the SLFP wants to hold a protest on its own, they are free to do so. There will also be joint protests.

Wide powers for super revenue body

By Chandani Kirinde
Legislation is being prepared for the setting up of a State Revenue Service (SRS) incorporating the Customs, the Inland Revenue Department and the Excise Department.

The creation of the SRS will be part of financial reforms aimed at improving revenue management but opposition parties have expressed concern that this move could mean that these three revenue-collecting bodies will no longer be accountable to parliament.

According to the draft Act, the board managing the SRS will submit a quarterly report setting out details of the revenue collected by institutions under its purview to the Finance Minister. Within 150 days of the end of the financial year, the board will submit a similar report, a copy of which the minister will submit to Parliament.

The Board consisting of nine members will include the Finance Secretary who will function as its Chairman, a representative of the Attorney General's Department not below the rank of a Deputy Solicitor General, the Director General of Customs and the Commissioners General of Inland Revenue and Excise. The other four members will be appointed by the Finance Minister, with the concurrence of the Constitutional Council, from amongst persons who have had professional recognition and experience in related fields.

The SRS will have wide ranging powers including the power to acquire, hold, take on lease, hire, sell or mortgage, pledge, give on lease or hire or otherwise dispose of any movable or immovable property, to enter into and perform such contracts and agreements as may be necessary for the proper discharge of its functions and to operate and close accounts in any sate owned banks.

The draft act also offers legal immunity to SRS board members for any act which is done in good faith.

The objectives of the SRS have been cited as improving the efficiency in the administration of these Departments, to optimize the collection of revenue and meeting the government revenue targets.

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