Geetha touts I’m no pretty face manthra

By Jatila Karawita

Popular film actress Geetha Kumarasinghe, who is set to contest on the UPFA ticket in the electorate Bentara-Elpitiya from the Galle District at the forthcoming elections, says that she is determined to make her presence felt in mainstream politics on behalf of the people of the Southern Province.
In an interview with LN, the actress born and brought up in the South, said that having already endorsed the president’s re-election, it was the presiden’s consensus that she should make a sizeable political contribution to the Southern Province.
The President has intimated that she could do this through her impressive public profile - as a popular and skilled thespian - and hence her decision to seek a parliamentary seat at the April 8 poll.
Kumarasinghe (52), who has not starred in a Sinhala film for eight years for want of a genuine script, said she was going to be an exceptional politician, as she was not seeking to be elected for the sake of amassing wealth or to enjoy unprecedented privileges accruing from government.
“The scope for development in the South is enormous”, she remarked.
“I have plans to improve the lot of people there, especially with regard to women. The garment sector is one area which can experience rapid development if genuine people are elected.”
She rubbished claims that she is seeking to enter parliament as a result of the UPFA paying gratitude to her for having openly canvassed for the president. “I have earned enough both as an actress and as a successful businesswoman, and I am not taking this plunge to do opportunistic politics” she opined .
She spoke disparagingly of politicians who have betrayed the peoples trust by changing parties --- and maintained that she will buck the trend by sticking with the SLFP led UPFA at any cost.
“If I wanted to wallow in money, I could have easily done so either in Switzerland, Singapore or London, where I own houses,” Geetha, a Mother of a 21-year-old daughter studying overseas, insisted.
“I am coming into politics for a purpose and that is to provide a better tomorrow for the women and youth of the South. I will do so without fear or favour, once elected”.
“I have been involved in politics for over 25 years from the time of President J.R. Jayewardene up to the tenure of Mahinda Rajapaksa, though I never thought of contesting for parliament despite a spate of invitations. This time around the situation has changed for the better”, she commented.
“The president has freed this nation from the grasp of terrorists after a 35-year struggle. I have decided to back him in his bid to bring this country on par with the rest of the developed nations of Asia by working to develop Galle as an MP.’’
Kumarasinghe expressed a strong desire to reside in the Galle District once elected - away from the cozy environs of her palatial house in Nawala, she says. She was optimistic that the huge fan-following she has built through the decades as a highly sought-after actress will not be wasted by indulging in full time party politics - as her agenda, she says, is hundred percent geared towards the people.
She spoke positively of facing bouquets and brick-bats. Asked why she did not deem it justified to contest from any of the opposition parties, given her countrywide appeal, she emphasised that she would have done so but for a want of a ‘real principled people-friendly opposition’.
Kumarasinghe wondered whether there was even an opposition in this country anymore - in the wake of the stupendous candidacy of former Army Chief retired General Sarath Fonseka last January.
She also nonchalantly dismissed suggestions that she was contesting the election due to the influence of a prominent UPFA cabinet minister. She was someone who cannot be influenced, she vowed. Pressed on her future contributions to the cinema the veteran actress stated that once into politics her sole focus will be it, adding that building the largest arts institute in the Galle District, besides a cinema museum, and providing a foundation for youth to foster their artistic talents will be high on her agenda. as well.