Anusha David spotlights the hottest styles and statements in and around Sri Lanka – from political leaders to celebrity CEOs, masters of the game to fashion icons and stars of the silver screen and stage. Here are society’s leaders talking about the determination, vision, smarts, competence and professionalism. Today, she speaks to Harshana Rajakaruna.

Harshana Rajakaruna, the son of Sarath Chandra Rajakaruna, who was a Member of Parliament for over three decades, is UNP’s candidate from the Gampaha District. An old Royalist, he went on to the University of Nottingham in the UK where he obtained a Degree in Management Studies (BA) and thereafter a Masters Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales, Cardiff. Deputy Head Prefect at Royal College, he was actively involved in sports, especially cricket. He commenced his political career in 2009 when he contested the Western Province Provincial Council Election from the Gampaha District. He is presently the Chief Organiser for the UNP in the Dompe electorate.

Excerpts from the interview:

Who are your heroes?

In answer to this question, I can rattle off names like Martin Luther King, Mother Theresa, Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi and other wellknown personalities. But, my heroes are the everyday people. It could be a woman who has taken a stand against an abuser or it could be a child who has challenged all adversities, be they poverty, learning disabilities or bullying, and has accomplished something in his or her life. I believe we all have the potential to be heroes.

Name the books that shaped your life and your politics.

To tell you honestly, I’m not much of a reader. Yes, I read the news and interesting articles I get, but, I can’t remember the last time I got the chance to read a good book. My life and my beliefs in politics have been shaped more by my experiences rather than through knowledge gained from books. This doesn’t mean that I haven’t learned from others.

What are your hobbies?

As a politician I don’t have much time to indulge in hobbies but one thing I love doing is being with people. I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and of course the people from my constituency. I learn so much everyday by mingling with people. It keeps me grounded and in touch with reality. Whenever time permits, I love exploring new places - be they in Sri Lanka or in another country. I love talking to people from different cultures, trying out new kinds of food and learning about their histories.

As for sport, I love playing cricket but I don’t get the opportunity to do it as often as I would like to. I represented the Royal College 1st XI team when I was schooling and it was during this time that the love for this game was seeded. I totally relax when I’m watching a movie. Unfortunately, that’s not often!

What is your position on the 20th Amendment?

I believe we need to revamp our electoral system. The present system has its plus points but like anything in life we need to periodically look back and see how we can improve. The proposed 20th Amendment to the Constitution is trying to do just that. It has a ‘First Past the Post (FPP)’ component and a ‘Proportional Representation (PR)’ component that includes a National List (NL). The total number of members in parliament will increase to 255 (FPP-165, PR-65, NL-25). One of the major concerns is that small parties will be harmed. I believe that through proper consultation an Amendment that benefits diverse groups in Sri Lanka can be drafted and passed.

Why did you decide to get involved in politics?

Some people may think that I got involved in politics as a natural consequence of my father’s involvement in politics. As you may know, my father, Sarath Chandra Rajakaruna, was a Member of Parliament representing the United National Party (UNP) for over three decades. He was a revolutionary politician who changed the political histories of Dompe and Attanagalle. While his vision and actions greatly influenced me in many ways, there was never any pressure for me to get involved in politics from my family.

I decided to get involved in the social services of my father’s electorate after my tertiary education. As a member of the Executive Committee, National Youth League Working Committee, Sports Committee, Economic Committee and Buddhist Committee of the United National Party I was able to talk with, mingle with and understand the needs of the people in the Gampaha district.

As a young politician, why did you choose the UNP as your party?

In an era of ‘crossovers’ I could have easily decided to contest under any party but I specifically decided to choose the UNP. I believe in the policies and the leadership of this party. Several political analysts are of the view that any person writing about the political history of Sri Lanka would have to write about the history of the UNP and vice versa. I wanted to contribute to that history in a positive way.

Where would you place yourself on the political spectrum, and how has that particular ideology influenced you?

I can’t honestly say that I’m on the left, right or centre of the political spectrum. We know now that it’s very difficult to simply align with the traditional left-centre-right of the axis without taking into consideration the issues being discussed. However, I believe in rights and duties. I would much rather align myself to the rights-based ideology than to a political spectrum. I believe in equality and non-discrimination values that are not only enshrined in our constitution but are also part of our diverse religious teachings.

What are the main issues facing the people in your district?

The Gampaha district has a population of over two million people. It is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious district. While it can boast of an international airport, economic zones, a botanical garden, luxury resorts and an oil refinery, this district is not without its share of problems. As a fast urbanising district, it faces many socio-cultural and economic issues. During the UNP regime great strides were made to increase jobs in the district through the establishment of Free Trade Zones among other development initiatives. Unfortunately, this has not been the case in the last few years. Even when so called ‘development’ took place, it was not done sustainably and the people are facing many environmental issues. We now have to ‘undo’ the damage done in the recent past as well as take steps to sustainably develop the district.

Why should people vote for you?

Sri Lankan citizens boast a very high literacy level in comparison to our neighbours as well as globally. They in turn use their vote wisely. Gone are the days when people were duped by flashy vehicles and muscle-bulging thugs. I bring with me education, experience, dedication and respect for humanity.

I started my primary education at Royal College where I held leadership positions such as senior prefect and deputy head prefect. I went for my tertiary education to the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom, where I obtained a Degree in Management Studies (BA). Thereafter, I obtained a Masters Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales, Cardiff, United Kingdom. After my return to Sri Lanka I became involved in the social work of my father’s electorates - Dompe and Attanagalla in the Gampaha district while working as a Senior Investment Advisor at John Keells Stock Brokers.

I officially started my political career in 2009 when I contested the Western Province Provincial Council Election from the Gampaha district. I was elected at the top of the UNP list of Gampaha District at the 2014 Western Provincial Council Election. Thereafter, I was appointed as the Chief Opposition Whip of the Western Province Provincial Council and I am presently the Chief Organiser for the UNP in the Dompe electorate.

In the last six years, I have had the opportunity to serve the people of Dompe as well as the Gampaha district in many ways as a Member of the Western Provincial Council and as the Chairman of the Young Professionals Organisation of the UNP. I have continued the work my father started in the areas of religious development, youth empowerment, education, as well as community enhancement among other things.
I envisage a future Sri Lanka that respects humanity and the core principles of humanity- love and compassion. Humanity is the foundation we need for sustainable development. I believe that my past actions demonstrate my capacity and dedication. Therefore, I humbly request the people of the Gampaha district to vote for me so that I may continue my work.

If elected to parliament, what are the main issues you will work on?

The United National Front for Good Governance Election Manifesto was released recently. The five-point programme clearly states some of the main issues we hope to work on. They are issues related to the economy, corruption, freedom, infrastructure and education. While this statement is at the broader country level, I hope to translate this programme to the district and electorate level. As mentioned earlier, I have, in the last five to six years, been working on similar issues in the Gampaha district. I hope to continue this work. John Maxwell, a leadership expert, said, ‘the growth and development of people are the highest calling of a leader’; therefore, I hope to put my energy in to the growth and development of people in Sri Lanka.

Do you think President Sirisena is an effective leader?

I think and more than half of the citizens of Sri Lanka think that President Sirisena is an effective leader. In this moment in history, we need a leader who strongly believes in good governance. We need a leader who promotes the rule of law, transparency, accountability and sustainability. The election manifesto of President Sirisena and his actions thereafter clearly stated his stance on lawlessness, corruption, nepotism and domination. Furthermore, he is a democratic leader who can work with diverse political parties for the betterment of our country.

Do you believe Ranil Wickremesinghe should continue as Prime Minister? Why?

Warren G. Bennis, an American scholar who is widely regarded as a pioneer of the contemporary field of leadership studies once said, ‘leadership is the capacity to translate vision in to reality’. To answer the question, yes, I strongly believe that Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe should and must continue as Prime Minister as he is a true leader, one who can translate vision into reality. Mr. Wickemesinghe progressed through the ranks of the UNP and has demonstrated his ability to lead and deliver. His service to the education sector and the transformations he made in the youth development sector are unparalleled. His leadership in making impressive economic transformations is well known. Moreover, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is a person who can truly stand up for and promote good governance in Sri Lanka.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

My parents, especially my father through his service to the public, taught me the importance of not forgetting the beginning, as it is the beginning that frames our future. I wish I had the ability to predict the future! Since I don’t, I can only say that I hope I will still be among the people of Sri Lanka - serving them as I do now and moulding a next generation of leaders.

In your opinion, who are the most impressive and inspiring political leaders in Sri Lanka?

Everybody knows about the immense services rendered to our country by great political leaders such as Prime Minister D. S. Senanayake, President J. R. Jayawardana, President Ranasinghe Premadasa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. So I won’t elaborate here. For me, some of the most impressive and inspiring political leaders in the country are the community and local level leaders. They are the real leaders who understand the needs of people in their communities and regions. They are the ones who support the citizens of our country in their times of need and rejoice with them during happy times. These local level leaders play an important part in politics in Sri Lanka and are crucial for good governance and democracy.

Do you have a message for the citizens of Sri Lanka?

I want to remind the citizens of Sri Lanka about the power they have as voters. You have the power in your hands to select leaders who are educated, honest, and capable and can be trusted to represent you. So please use your vote wisely on 17 August. Let’s work together now for a future of humanity!

Interviewed by Anusha David