Interview with Deputy Minister of National Unity, Muneer Mulafer, on the Government’s Policies and Initiatives for National Unity and Reconciliation, Sixteen Years After the End of the Three-Decade War

How does the current government view national unity?

It has been about six months since we assumed power. During this period, we’ve faced several major events, including the parliamentary elections, the budget, and provincial council elections. Throughout this time, we’ve continuously emphasised that if the country is to rebuild, it must do so not only economically but also through unity and coexistence. Though Sri Lanka is home to diverse ethnic and religious groups, we have repeatedly seen a mindset that fails to act with the understanding that we are all Sri Lankans.

We’ve seen repeated finger-pointing, the resurfacing of communalism, religious extremism, and regionalism—often sensationalised by certain media outlets. Against this backdrop, the National People’s Power (NPP) sees national unity as a crucial priority. Rather than forming entirely new mechanisms within this short period, we are studying how to strengthen and effectively operate existing mechanisms to promote national unity. Institutions responsible for these tasks already exist. We have appointed individuals who previously worked in these areas, who possess the necessary knowledge and a genuine commitment to peace. Through them, we are gradually implementing our plans, even by addressing smaller issues as they arise.

Given the northern votes received by the current president, doesn’t that indicate some level of trust the northern people had in the government?

In the presidential election, we didn’t win significantly in the North, East, or the hill country. In fact, at times, our opposition gained more votes than us. This was largely due to a strong campaign of fear against the NPP, suggesting that our coming to power would bring harmful consequences. The people made their decisions at that time based on past experiences. But by the general election, they realised the opposition’s campaign was false, and we proved our intentions through our actions. As a result, trust grew among people in those areas, and we achieved significant victories in every district except Batticaloa.Today, many citizens are disillusioned with traditional political parties, which also contributed to our success.

Was there a specific need among northern communities that your party addressed during the parliamentary elections?

One clear realisation among the Tamil people—and something we also understood—is that political parties claiming to represent them often do so only until election time. Afterward, their focus shifts, and their actions reflect other agendas. Many leaders would visit villages during elections but retreat to Colombo afterwards. This inconsistency created discontent.

In contrast, the NPP actively engaged with the grassroots in those regions, holding discussions and building trust, which was a key factor in our success. Additionally, the long-standing disappointment with traditional politics, corruption, and decline further contributed to our electoral gains in those areas.

The divide between North and South has long impacted national development. Are there any new projects initiated to tap into the North’s potential?

Absolutely. Our budget addresses this clearly. For a long time, these areas missed out on national development. We’ve identified several projects focused on the North, particularly industrial zones, fisheries-based industries, and energy projects. Discussions and studies are underway regarding these.

We are moving toward a situation where diverse development projects are introduced across the country, including the East. However, what we really need is a comprehensive national development plan. When we took over, the situation wasn’t the same as with previous governments. For instance, during the Yahapalanaya government, they had the freedom to borrow funds as needed. But we inherited a heavily indebted country.

While earlier governments could print money freely, we now operate under strict constraints. Even so, we are working toward steering the country in the right direction. It’s important that no citizen feels neglected. Everyone must feel included in this development effort—otherwise, genuine national unity is unattainable.

Will the provincial council system be reinstated?

Our policies state that if there is a better system than the provincial council model—one that ensures fairness for all—we are open to considering it.

What policies are in place to ensure equal opportunities across regions?

Our economy and industries have historically been concentrated in the Western Province. Not just the North, but other provinces too have suffered from lack of development. As we move forward, the president has emphasised that development benefits must be equitably distributed. Every region has its own resources, and our aim is to recognise those and work accordingly.

We’ve also developed plans to reduce disparities—addressing issues like language barriers. We recognise that hard work will be needed to fully implement these changes.

Is there an initiative to include coexistence-focused subjects in the education curriculum?

Yes. The NPP policy supports a new educational approach that provides respect and opportunities for all. We envision a system where inclusivity and mutual respect are fundamental values.

What is the NPP’s approach to issues like missing persons and resettlement?

We believe that if any party has committed injustices, it is the government’s responsibility to address those grievances fairly. The NPP is committed to working swiftly through relevant offices to address concerns around missing persons and reparations.

How should citizens view national unity?

We are a country that has declined both economically and socially. To rebuild, we must grow not only financially but also in terms of attitude. Sri Lanka can no longer afford to fall back into ethnic or religious strife. The media plays a key role in preventing such regression—by avoiding baseless allegations and fearmongering.

As citizens, we all bear responsibility for building peace. No institution alone can preserve peace and reconciliation—it must be a collective effort. If anyone promotes racism or religious extremism for political gain, we must reject it firmly. This is a journey we must undertake together.

ONUR Young media group member – Hansika Weerasinghe