Archives

from Ravi Ladduwahetty and Ananda Pathiraja in Anuradhapura

Give us 120 seats in Parliament at the December 5 polls to form a Government with a stable working majority, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake told all PA candidates immediately following the launch of the People's Alliance election campaign at the most sacred Jayasri Maha Bodhi Tree at Anuradhapura yesterday morning.

We learnt our lesson in 1994. We learnt the same lesson last year. Therefore, give us at least 120 seats in Parliament in order to avoid the formation of a tragile government like the two previous occasions, the Prime Minister appealed. He said: "The Maha Sangha has asked all political parties contesting the polls to declare their stand on the LTTE. The stand of the government is crystal clear on this. We are against terrorism. We are against the shifting of the Armed Forces from the Northern region.

Some say there should be an unlimited supply of food and other essentials to the Vanni.

The UNP has teamed up with the Tamil parties. The UNP sent one MP to Parliament in 2000. We have the support of the EPDP, the Premier said.

Earlier, the events were preceded by religious observances. Ruwanweliseya Viharadhipathi and Nuwara Kalaviya Sangha Chief Nayaka Ven. Pallegama Hemaratana Thera.

This was followed by the chanting of seth pirith by Ven. Pallegama Hemaratana Thera, Chief Secretary of the Samastha Lanka Pevidi Sanvidhanaya Vatinapaha Somananda Thera, the Mirisavetiya Raja Maha Viharadhipathi Eathala Vetunuwewa Gnanathilake.

Ven. Hemaratana Thera, delivering the Anusasana said: All of you have come to get the blessings of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in order to engage in public service. You must do this in an environment of tranquillty.

Later all candidates assembled at the Anuradhapura President's Lodge and took an oath. Later Prime Minister, in conversation with the 'Daily News,' said: The PA has launched today a program of work to create a society where humanity reigns supreme which is democratic and moral.

We will not allow the division of this country at any cost. The program of the PA is to create a society where everybody could live in harmony and equality. This will undoubtedly happen under the leadership of the President very soon.

Despite the PA not contesting the Jaffna district, the voters in the North have accepted the leadership of the President. Therefore, it is indeed pleasing to note that the northern voters have come forward to vote for the EPDP, which in turn is supporting the PA, he said.

PA General Secretary and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Food and Co-operative Development D.M. Jayaratne told the Daily News: "It is indeed fortunate that the PA's anticipated program of uprooting terrorism from this strife torn land has commenced from the historic city of Anuradhapura.

The House of Parliament is not only for ruling the country but also to enact legislation. A clear majority for one side will enable the development programs to be implemented soon. Therefore, I am appealing to all candidates to go on a door to door campaign and bring the PA led by the President back to power.

Whatever the party that wins the Parliamentary elections on December 5, the authority and the constitutional powers to appoint the Prime Minister, Ministers, the Judiciary and other public servants lies with the President. Therefore, everybody should team up to bring the PA to power."

SLFP General Secretary and Minister of Mahaweli Development Maitiripala Sirisena said: "The blessings of the Jayasri Maha Bodhi will enable us to score an outright victory on December 5.

The people are more enthusiastic this time. The popularity of the PA is increasing," he added

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager