Harin Fernando


Today on the Buzz, in the heat of ‘the 100 days’ I speak to Chief Minister of Uva Province, Harin Fernando. An extremely approachable politician, I still remember bumping into him years back at an event. I had to stand by him for a photograph, and so asked him “What do you do?” Then with a humble smile he replied, “I am a Member of Parliament”. Ignorant of me, but of course I did know the old Joe for doing some great work and was happy to meet him in person.  

A lover of rugby, he believes in a well-balanced life from fun, sport, family to hard work. These have made him a genuine heart winner and today he chats with me on the Buzz.

 

Full name : Nalaka Jude Harin Fernando    
Hometown : Badulla    
Status : Married
Birthday : 28th October 1978
Passions : Politics
Favourite Colour : Red
Favourite Cartoon : Oggy and the Cockroaches
 

Your Top 5 in life?

1. Family
2. Friends / people
3. Rugby
4. Politics
5. My pet dogs – Buddy and Kuki

What made you enter politics ?
I love the challenge and also to be convincing.

Are you enjoying your time in it?
It has its ups and downs. So far yes.

How do you balance family, friends, life and politics?
Very difficult but I’ m good at multitasking LOL.

What do you do for fun?
Watch movies, travel, hang out with friends.

What’s your favourite outdoor activity?
Playing rugby

Are you fashionable?
Somewhat

Who do you sometimes compare yourself to?
Nobody

What three words would you use to describe the last three months of your life?
Stress, hectic, content

What do you think about the 100 day progress?
People expected a miracle in 100 days, majority of the frame work for a free fair and democratic society. It is in the making and certainly better than what we had before. Hence this gives us hope.

Would you rather give up music or television for a month?
Television- yes, Music - no

What did you want to be when you grew up?
Pilot


 

For Fun

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten?
Oysters

Do you have any odd quirks?
None

What is your favourite restaurant?
Jamie Oliver

What is the craziest dream you’ve ever had?
Phew, it was so crazy hence will keep quiet LOL


 

If

If you could choose any career right now, what would it be?
Pilot

If you had one day left to live, what would you do?
Spend my day with the kids and my loved ones.

If you were a super-hero what would your powers be?
I would be invisible.

If you had access to a time machine where and when would you go?
Playing College 1XV rugby and doing A/L’s.


 

On the Spot

Do you feel UNP can win the upcoming election?
Of course

What in your opinion was the downfall of the earlier government?  
Three facts 1) Over confidence 2) Arrogance 3) HARIN FERNANDO. LOL Ha….Ha……

What do you think about Colombo society?
Tricky

19 A- your thoughts?
I think we need a strong parliament for a country like Sri Lanka and although there are mixed reviews about the 19A, it’s a good move.