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Mahinda happy to be a stopgap Prime Minister
By Harinda Vidanage
New Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse pledged yesterday he would happily and gracefully step down within a limited period to make way for President Chandrika Kumaratunga to become the executive prime minister.

In an interview, Mr. Rajapakse expressed confidence that the UPFA would have a majority in parliament and a broad consensus to change the present constituion.

Excerpts from the interview:
Q: The UPFA appears to have a tough task in sustaining the peace process and the ceasefire. What would be your role in handling this.
A: The key player will be President Chandrika Kumaratunga. It was she who initiated the peace process and I am confident she would see it through while my role would be to help her.

Q: On Friday, the LTTE launched a massive two-pronged attack on the Karuna faction in the East. What is the new government's response?
A: We are in touch with the Army commander and the Army will not get involved while we are closely monitoring the situation.

Q: The UPFA gave a whole lot of pledges in its manifesto and in the polls campaign. When and how will they be implemented?
A: I give a reassurance here that when parliament meets, priority will be given to implement the pledges we gave.

Q: The JVP has emerged as a major stakeholder of the UPFA and there were widespread reports that you were not the JVP's preference for the prime minister's post. Is that correct and if so how do you intend to cope?
A: I don't see much of a problem as the SLFP and the JVP are working together on a common agreement worked out during months of negotiations.

Q: The UPFA sought a big mandate to change the constitution, but you could not get even a simple majority. Is the government going ahead with this plan?
A: Yes. But first we must get a majority in parliament and we are holding talks with other parties for that purpose. We are also negotiating with other parties to come to a consensus on changing the constitution and I believe there will be support even from the UNF.

As Prime Minister, I don't need to be the main person in this process. Instead, we could get a constitutional expert to head the proposed constituent assembly as Dr. Colvin R. de Silva did in 1970.

Q: The Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) has emerged as a strong force. Are you having talks with the monks?
A: Yes I have been talking to them before and after the general election. The JHU has responded positively. The principle of all coming together in consensus is a core factor in the JHU's Dharma Rajya.

Q: There are reports that you are only an interim Prime Minister, appointed by President Kumaratunga for a short period. Your response?
A: Yes. I have been appointed for a limited period till we amend the constitution and introduce the parliamentary system with an executive prime minister. President Chandrika Kumaratunga will be the next executive Prime minister.

Q: How do you feel about having to step down so soon?
A: I will step down happily and gracefully. There will be no problem.

Q: What will be the thrust of the new government's foreign policy? Since your appointment, you have been stressing on the importance of stronger ties with India.
A: That will be the focus and my first foreign visit as prime minister will be to India. While the link with India will be the key factor, we will also forge closer ties with other donor countries.

Q: The South is happy to have its second prime minister after Wijayananda Dahanayake in 1959. What are your special plans for this province?
A: Special attention will be given to the South, especially, in fisheries, but our main development plan is for the whole country.

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