Entering Local Politics

I am the eldest daughter in a family of seven. I graduated from the University of Peradeniya. I am married to Shelton Ranaraja, an attorney and have five daughters and two adorable granddaughters. I was born into a political family. My late father was an MP in the first parliament of Sri Lanka from 1948 -56 and my uncles, M. D Bandaand and D.P.B Mahadiulwewa, were Minister from 1952-70 and Provincial Minister, respectively. In addition, my father-in-law is a State Councilor and my husband is a former Parliamentarian and Deputy Minister of Justice (1977-88).

I am a long-standing member of the United National Party (UNP). I was a founder member of the University student branch of the UNP and a member of the Women's Working Committee of the UNP from 1978-88. Having been a helper in my husbands political work the people wanted me to contest personally and I wanted to serve the people. I had the backing of the party organizations and my family. In 1979 I was the first woman to be elected to the Kandy Municipal Council, I served as Deputy Mayor from 1979- 89, Mayor from 1990-91 and Councilor from 1991 to June 1997.

When I was first elected in 1979 the election system was different. It was only on a proportional basis with the Party preparing the list of candidates on a priority basis. I was selected to run for Deputy Mayor, a post which I held till 1989. The present election system is a combination of proportional and preferential. Each voter has three preferences which could be cast in favour of one candidate. Hence personal considerations such as caste, creed, and race play a more important role than issues and suitability. In the last local government elections held in March this year I was unable to get in by a few preference votes. I don't think I could have resorted to impersonations and intimidations that were highly prevalent throughout the elections. Women will face this obstacle to a greater extent. However I find that a fair number of women have been elected to other local authorities, although Kandy does not have a single woman councilor. The new Mayor is receptive to new initiatives, so we have hope.

At present I am a social worker, promoting advocacy groups especially for women and promoting the concept of participatory development in local governance through women's groups and low income settlements. I shall continue to assist the present Mayor and Council with some of the programmes initiated during my tenure and have been invited to serve on some Advisory Committees. I am also concerned about the lack of day care centres for mothers. Although I am not in Council I shall assist in the development processes of the city.

A Woman's Perspective

The fact that I was a woman posed no problem for me when entering politics, as our party wanted women to participate actively. Our leader then, the late JR Jayawardenagavea gave much encouragement for the formation and development of women's organizations within the Party. He invited me to be a member of the highest policy making body in the UNP, the working committee. Hence when my name was sent up to the nomination board they agreed to make me the Deputy Mayor in 1979.

Likewise, while in office I did not feel I faced any specific difficulties being a woman, as I was eager to work and nothing was allowed to cause obstacles to my activities. If there were any problems it was because the Town Hall did not have any provision for a ladies toilet which was remedied. I am sure councilors as well as the staff found it novel and a change from the usual male environment. However, I must be quite frank when I say that I have been generally outspoken, pointing out errors that needed remedial action in the municipal administration. I have fallen out of favour with persons responsible for irregularities, but this is something that most women face in their places of work. I was no exception.

My personal attempt, as Mayor, to improve the status of women in Kandy was based around organizing women's groups, especially in low income settlements. These groups have created a greater awareness among women on many subjects, such as, dealing with the municipality and government institutions, improving health standards , in particular, immunization. Access to other services, provided by the municipality and government institutions were also improved; housing loans, contracts to build community facilities,- wells , roads, water lines and even public buildings. Under my tenure a full settlement with 185 households was improved. I consider the development two low income settlements namely Nagastenna and Menikkumbura with housing and all basic amenities besides providing them with community centres , preschools and vocational training, as my best achievement in office.

Breaking Down The Barriers

I have personally tried to initiate a programme to increase women's participation in Kandy through housing and settlements development in under developed areas of the city where people are poor, illiterate and devoid of most of the basic facilities. Through this programme, started in 1985, with the assistance of the National Housing Development Authority I was able to start women's groups by 1990. In 1994 a network was formed and in 1996 three representatives from the network were included in the policy making body of the municipal council regarding this programme. The Kandy municipal council has several women Heads of Department - Health, Library Services, Finance Also, expansion of pre- school education has meant more young women have been employed and mothers have become more interested in the schools activities.

I think it is important that women take an active role in the governance of cities as women face certain specific problems which may not be visible to men and even if seen, are not considered priorities. Men may not be sensitive to these issues. Women are dedicated workers, and are generally incorruptible . I also think that women leaders are outspoken and approachable to all categories of the electorate.

In terms of urban issues, I believe that men and women differ in their concerns and priorities. Women will be concerned with basic human amenities in their settlements while men are more concerned with employment avenues. Women think of the family needs first, safe housing and neighborhoods, access to schools and health care as well as marketing facilities in their vicinity. Men on the other hand not burdened with such cares are often more interested in sports facilities and amusements. Access to public transport however, is a concern for both men and women.

Women's issues and priorities will receive early recognition and attention as more women in local government hold positions of authority however if men could be made more sensitive to these needs, a few women with authority would suffice. As women's needs and priorities are not on men's agendas promoting women into local government is useful. Besides the local authorities are one of the closest institutions to human needs and services, Organizing women's groups to build up awareness could be done by women and political parties.

I believe that the local government election system prevalent in our country the possibility of being elected to a ward on a preferential voting pattern could prove to be difficult for women. Women need more backing from party organizations or women's movements. Issues at local elections may not always favour women candidates.

Often we are told that politics is corrupt. This will depend on individuals and their interests. If one enters politics to serve humanity through the power of position and ability to get things done, corruption will not emerge. But if people get in to serve themselves the story will differ. Corruption begins from elections themselves. Impersonations, intimidation , political thuggery will be obstacles to any honorable politician.