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| Thursday, 15 November 2001 |
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Politics | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
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Anuradhapura
| Badulla | Batticaloa | Colombo | Digamadulla | Kurunegala
| More Districts ... Home to one of the oldest civilisations in the human history, Anuradhapura is still the capital of the North Central Province. Bordering the trouble struck Vanni in the North, Polonnaruwa in the East and Matale, Kurunegala and Puttalam in the South, the Anuradhapura district is home to a majority of farmers. Despite its glory of the past, the oldest sacred city of Lanka, is not spared from the inherited problems of the Sri Lankan State. The farmers in this agricultural district, once renowned for its irrigation works are now desperately short of water for farming. Its ancient glory is fading and many of the ancient tanks are desolate. Farmers, whose ancestors once made the whole nation self-sufficient have now found themselves impotent before the monopoly of the "big businessman". Though the main roads are comparatively in good condition, the broken and desolate sub-routes hold a huge set-back to the development of the district. A massive project is also an urgent need to meet the burning issues mainly the unemployment and infrastructure development. Contesting Parties: Registered Voters Medawachchiya - 65,903 H. B. Semasinghe - PA The PA district leader H. B. Semasinghe contests the election with his own proposals to solve the socio-economic problems of the district. He pledges to renovate the abandoned irrigation facilities, in a bid to find solutions to the district's major issues. A Peradeniya University graduate, Semasinghe says that the PA should ensure that the farmers of the district will receive a fair price for their product. He wants the sub-routes in the districts renovated, and he has promised to do so, if the PA comes to power. A school principal turned politician, Semasinghe was the Private Secretary to former Speaker K.B. Ratnayake and was appointed as the SLFP organiser for Anuradhapura in 1977. P. Harrison - UNP A Kelaniya University graduate, P. Harrison has his own vision to ease the grievances of the people of Anuradhapura. Though not yet 40 years old he leads the UNP in the district. Harrison pledges to implement the Moragahakanda scheme to ease the prevailing water shortage and promises to renovate abandoned tanks, too. Underlining the need of special legal provisions to protect the farmer from the exploitation by the "big bussinessmen" Harrison, promises to introduce minimum price of Rs. 17 per kilo of paddy and Rs. 125 per kilo of chille - the Mahaveli H zone of Rajarata produces one third of Sri Lanka's chille production. Implementation of the massive project to use the Eppawala prosphate deposits for commercial purposes targeting at least 4000 employment is one of his major goals. Promoting self employment, attracting investors and promoting new industries are among his other dreams. General Election Results
- 10.10.2000 Once a remarkable battle field against the British imperialism two centuries ago, Badulla is the present capital of the Uva province. Its picturesque beauty and serenity attract thousands of and international and domestic tourists. The sons and daughters of this once courageous and freedom liking men and women who faught a against ruthless crackdown by the British in 1818, have now found that their inherited sufferings have added with a new set of grievances with their hard labour being exploited by the heartless middlemen and their brokers. They are still in the wilderness searching for ways and means to find a better market for their cultivation, especially Vegetables and fruits. The roads are desolate and broken and the water shortage holds a huge challenge to the farmers. Though the picturesque landscape of the district definitely would be an attraction to the foreigners, very little have been done for the development of opportunities for income generation. A massive development project covering not only the urban centres of the district, but every village and hamlet in the isolated corners of the district is the need of the people in the area. Contesting Parties: Registered Voters Mahiyangane - 70,678 Rs. 2.5 b development project in hand - Nimal Siripala de Silva [PA] PA district leader Nimal Siripala de Silva is happy with his devotion to the district during his tenure as a Parliamentarian representing the Badulla people. Pointing out that the PA was able to ease the grievances of the farmers by writing off farming loans, he adds that further actions are necessary to eradicate the prevailing problems of the district. A lawyer turned politician, Siripala de Silva has come with his own agenda to solve them. A town developing project for Badulla at a cost of 2.5 billion rupees remains the top of his agenda. He also hopes to develop other small towns such as Beragala and Haputale. Ella and Ohiya irrigation schemes are his solutions for the water shortage and he promises to implement them if the PA comes to power. Nimal Siripala de Silva, who twice was the health minister of the former government says that the new cancer unit which costs Rs.270 million affiliated to the Badulla General Hospital is his brain child. Youth development top priority - W.J.M. Lokubandara [UNP] Government servant and a lwayer turned politician W.J.M. Lokubandara says the creation of employment opportunities for the educated youths is the priority of his election manifesto. A graduate from the University of Peradeniya and London, garrulous Lokubandara promises to set up vocational training centres for youth development. He promises to develop the existing education facilities in the district. Underlining the need of a fair price for the potato production of the district, he pledges to impose restrictions on import potato in order to ensure a higher price for the local production. Lokubandara, who was also the chief oppossion whip in the previous Parliament promises to develop the long neglected city centres such as Haputale and Beragala in the district. General Election Results
- 10.10.2000 This beautiful land bordering the sea where mythical singing fish would sing in the night and the forest where the Tamil Tiger terrorists have scattered bases like Toppigala, is home for the majority of Sri Lankan Moors. Dozens of military camps make their best attempts to confine terrorists to the jungle. The ongoing war has affected the day-to-day life of the Batticaloa civilian. It has damaged or forced to neglect their essential infrastructure and basic commodities. Unemployment is high among the youth; reputation as a war zone has kept the investors away from the city. Throes of the war are everywhere: fishing, the profession of thousands of people is banned to some extent, embargo on transportation of fertilizer to the uncleared areas hold a serious challenge to farmers; massacres of prayers in the places of worship by the LTTE still haunt in the memories of the people. Peace is what the whole district, battered since the eruption of the war in 1983, desperately asks. Political Parties and Independent Groups Contesting Eelam People's Democratic Party, People's Alliance, United National Party, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, National Development Front, Tamil United Liberation Front, New Left Front,Democratic People's Liberation Front, Sri Lanka Progressive Front, Sri Lanka Muslim Kachchi, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, Sihala Urumaya, Ten Independent Groups Total number of candidates contesting - 176
Number of Registered Voters
Kalkudah - 80,685
Batticaloa - 130,846
Padirippu - 70,548
Total number of registered voters - 282,079
Peace: top priority - M.L.A.M Hisbullah [ PA] PA district leader Hisbullah says peace is the urgent need of the people. Though the previous efforts of the PA government failed, he is confident that the future PA government would bring an end to the war. Peradeniya University graduate, Hisbullah promises to develop agriculture and fishing. He hopes to provide modern fishing equipment to the fishermen in the district, whom he says is still depend on the traditional methods and equipment. Education has received the priority of his development plan and promises to upgrade school facilities. He hopes to encourage the private sector participation in the economic activities, in order to create new employment opportunities. Thus, attract investment as well as tourists in a bid to uplift income levels of the Batticaloa peopls. Ceasefire and peace talks - Ali Zahir Moulana [ UNP] Claiming that the former PA regime has discriminated against the people in the uncleared areas, whose basic needs were denied by the Government, Moulana points out the need of equal treatment to all the Sri Lankans irrespective of racial differences. He asks for the urgent removal of the embargo on the transportation of essential items to the uncleared areas. A former computer scientist, Moulana advocates for a peaceful solution for the ethnic problem and promises work towards a ceasefire between the Government forces and the LTTE, thus paving the way for the peace talks. He pledges to upgrade the standard of long neglected hospitals and schools and improve the life standard of the population. He underlines the need for the removal of the ban on fishing and promises to work for it, if his party is given a mandate. We'll lift LTTE ban - Joseph Pararajasingham [TULF] Journalist turned politician, Pararajasingham claims that the Tamil party alliance will campaign on a three point agenda, namely the removal of the LTTE ban, commencing peace talks with the LTTE and the transportation of essential items to the uncleared areas. Underlining the need of infrastructure development to ensure a substantial economic growth, Pararajasingham promises to work his best to develop the roads, telecommunication, drinking water facilities and irrigation systems in the district. He pledges to provide special assistance to the widows and orphans and the other victims of the ethnic conflict. Claiming unemployment as one of the serious problems in the district, he underlines the need of a special job creation program. Pararajasingham pledges to support any major party which committed to end the war by pushing the Norwegian brokered peace process with the LTTE. General Election Results - 10.10.2000
Home to the country's commercial and political nerve-centres, Colombo is the most populated and the most heterogeneous Sri Lankan city. Colombo, the commercial capital has potential to be South Asia's financial hub, but there is a long journey to achieve that coveted position; city infrastructures have to be upgraded and a well- designed development program has to be implemented. However, in this modern and beautiful city of plus shopping malls and restaurants, there is another world - the forgotten world of city's Slum dwellers which count 60 percent of the total population. The Millennium Township Program is trying its best to find a solution to this dilemma. Problems of the City of Colombo, once called as the garden city of Asia, and its suburbs are not different from those of any other Third World city; inefficient waste management leaves columns of garbage along the road side, poor public transport facilities and traffic jams pose a huge set- back to the city development, broken and desolate sub routes in the city itself and its suburbs need urgent attention. Semi urban and rural areas of the district have their own socio- economic problems. Benefits of the open economy are yet to reach the Colombo suburb. Well-planned development project coupled with programs to upgrade the life standard of the poor is the need of the whole district, if it is to be the commercial hub of South Asia. Contesting parties: Total number of voters Colombo North - 86,842 Colombo Central - 159,417 Borella - 61,373 Colombo East - 66,736 Colombo West - 41,908 Dehiwala - 61,222 Ratmalana - 67,911 Kolonnawa - 102,676 Kotte - 74,140 Kaduwela - 135,550 Avissawella - 93,630 Homagama - 127,422 Maharagama - 114,854 Kesbewa - 131,571 Moratuwa - 115,430 Registered voters - 1,440,682 More fly-overs; underground subways - A.H.M. Fowzie [ PA] A former minister of Health, Highways and Social Service, Fowzie pledges to solve the prevailing drinking water, housing and health problems of the slum dwellers. He promises to develop electricity, public transport, telecommunications and road facilities at the semi urban areas of the district. Fowzie, a businessman turned politician promises to create more income generating opportunities with the participation of the private sector.Underlining the need of better transport facilities for a substantial economic growth, Fowzie pledges to upgrade them through setting up new flyovers, underground sub - ways. He promises to add more buses to public transport and implement electric trains. Claiming that he as the PA leader of the Colombo district was able build up a special relationship with the provincial level leaders of the party, Fowzie says that he would take the maximum use of this relationship in a future city development program. Rapid development with environment protection- M.H. Mohammed [UNP] Claiming that the PA was unable to carry out any important development work during its tenure, Colombo district UNP leader M.H. Mohammed pledges to develop the infrastructures through providing more powers to the local government bodies. According to him the weakness of the local government bodies is the principle reason for the prevailing problems of the city. Mohammed hopes to pump more funds to the local governments. Pointing out that the problems of slum dwellers cannot be solved relocating them in sky scrapers, Mohammed hopes to provide them with new houses in a new model of flats of two or three stories. Claiming that the environment pollution in the city has reached to an alarming level, he underlines the need of a new set of environmental laws. Upgrading the education facilities and a mid day meal for the school children are among his other priorities. A town with respect to humanity - Wimal Weerawansa [JVP] Comparing the present state of Sri Lankan politics to a stinking pit of refuse and garbage, JVP Colombo district leader Wimal Weerawansa says that his party his committed for an ethical and civilised political culture. Rebel and journalist turned politician Weerawansa, promises to work his best for the uplift of the life standard of the low income earning groups in the district. According to him a well organised project is essential to address prevailing socio-economic problems of these long neglected social groups. Weerawansa promises to upgrade public transport facilities. Claiming that there is grave difference in the schools in the district, Weerawansa underlines a need of a special program to upgrade those schools with poor education facilities. Weerawansa promises for a balanced development for the city and its suburbs. He pledges to work for a town where humanity is respected. Compulsory ordination for under 18 - Champika Ranawaka [SU] Engineer and lecturer turned politician Champika Ranawaka has some controversial proposals. Sihala Urumaya will make ordination compulsory for every youth under age 18 for a certain period. Such move, according to Champika Ranawaka, will make youths "ethical, honest and decent." Claiming urbanisation would be a serious problem to the future of the city, Ranawaka hopes to impose rigid rules on immigration to the city. Sihala Urumaya further hopes to reduce the number of vehicles entering the city, through legal measures. Upgrading public transport and health care is a priority of his agenda. A former student activist, Ranawaka draws special attention to the street children in the city and promises to rehabilitate and protect them with due care. It will impose rigid rules on the foreign ownership of the land and property. Ranawaka pledges to bring an end to what he called "Non-Sinhala monopoly" in whole sale activities, through the legal measures. Champika Ranawaka promises for efficient waste management system. He pledges to renovate the broken sub routes in the semi-urban areas. General Election Results - 10.10.2000 Digamadulla has one unique distinction - it is one of the two Sri Lankan districts where the Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims live almost in equal proportionate. Yet it maintains a significant degree of racial harmony, despite the abortive attempts for racial supremacy by the extremist elements of all sides. Fifty years ago, in this land bordering the sea and the forest, the first multi- purposes irrigation project - Gal Oya - was implemented. This massive irrigation scheme, which made thousands of acres of barren land harvestable, turned upside down and made this once uninhabited land colonised by the men and women who came from distant regions. Being a `bordering' area, the inhabitants of these unprotected villages have bitter memories of massacres, massacres of their loved ones by the Tamil Tiger terrorists. The recent attack on the village Gonagala has added more horrendous experiences to the atrocities that the LTTE has committed in these areas. The threat still exists. Problems of the district is not different from those of any other Sri Lankan district, but the ongoing war has added more. The district needs the attention it deserves. The grievances of the people of this agricultural district have to be addressed urgently. They need better markets for their crops, roads, water, public transport, schools, more jobs and further more security. Contesting parties: Number of voters Ampara 126,660 Sammanturai 59,474 Kalmunai 57,653Potuvil 116,710 Total registered voters 360,497 National Unity through development - Ferial Ashraff [PA] Ferial Ashraff pledges to work to fulfil the vision of her husband, late minister M.H.M. Ashraff. Claiming that no mega development project was carried out in the district since the Gal Oya irrigation scheme, Ferial Ashraff, a former pharmaceutical expert, promises to bring the district to a new era through a well- planned development program. She, pledges to distribute the benefits of development among the entire citizenry irrespective of ethnic differences. She promises to promote ethnic harmony through development and make Digamadulla `a model of national unity through development.' Ferial Ashraff entered politics after the death of her husband and soon was appointed to the post vacated by her husband Private sector cooperation - A.L.M. Athaullah [SLMC] Claiming that the SLMC has the support from 80 percent of Muslim population of the area, Athaullah promises to protect trust that the people have placed on the party. He pledges to provide a proper drainage system for the low land of the district which is vulnerable for flooding. Renovation of the broken roads is also a priority of his agenda. He promises to create income generating opportunities through the private sector participation in the economic activities. According to Athaullah garment industry has potential to create thousands of employment opportunities, while advance industries would create employment opportunities for the educated youth. Athaullah was a deputy minister of the former PA government, before he defected the ruling coalition with SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem. A boom to rural life - P. Dayaratne [UNP] UNP leader in the district P. Dayaratne who entered politics in 1977, promises to restart the production of the abandoned Higurana Sugar Factory. According to him it would secure the livelihood of 10,000 families, including 4500 farmers. Providing electricity to the rural communities is one of his priorities. He, the engineer turned politician, pledges to renovate desolate sub ways in the Gal Oya valley and upgrade the health care facilities. According to him the schools in the Sinhala majority area are being neglected during the past 7 years, and he pledges to provide urgent solutions for them under a future UNP Government. A senior minister of the former UNP regimes, Dayaratne promises to implement an efficient water management system to the Gal Oya tank and other irrigation systems and ensure farmers will take the maximum use of water resources. General Election Results - 10.10.2000 Galle, the Capital of Ruhuna, lies 72 miles south of Colombo on the coastal highway. Its old Dutch fortress is declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The country's biggest tourist destination, Hikkaduwa lies 10 Km away from the city. From its coastal border the territory of the district expands up to the rain forest of Sinharaja, also a World Heritage Site. And mountainous territory of the Galle District produces Sri Lanka's best low country tea. Roomassala, the country's legendary terrain over-looking the centuries old Galle Port hides a myth of Indo-Lankan prehistoric relations that runs to the Rawana era. Though the scattered factories through out the district - mainly of the Koggala Free Trade Zone - have generated thousands of employment opportunities, agriculture still plays a major role in the livelihood of the rural population in the district. Despite the ongoing efforts to create more income generating opportunities, unemployment is still high, specially among the rural youth. The collapse of the tourism industry following a chain of incidents locally and internationally has worsened the problem. Burning issues in the South paved the way for several upsurges in the country during the recent history. Attempts by successive governments to implement a massive development project failed. The implementation of the proposed plan for the expansion of the Galle Port, coupled with a rural development program would bring solutions. Contesting Parties Total number of voters Balapitiya - 47,774 Ambalangoda - 61,813 Karandeniya - 60,273 Bentara-Elpitiya - 78,967 Hiniduma - 83,302 Baddegama - 81,026 Ratgama - 71,584 Galle - 68,949 Akmeemana - 73,397 Habaraduwa - 71,473 Registered voters - 698,558 Development in every sector - Richard Pathirana [ PA] Former minister and Chief Government Whip, Richard Pathirana claims that more development works have been carried out in the district than in any other district during the PA regime. He claims that drinking water facilities in the district have been upgraded at a cost of Rs. 3852 million during the last seven years. According to him the new engineering faculty of Ruhunu University and new College of Education are his other achievements. Another drinking water project is also under way, he says. A school principal turned politician, Richard Pathirana pledges to continue in the district development process. He promises to set up a new cancer unit at the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital and provide it with more facilities. He hopes to set a new industrial park to provide more employment opportunities to the people. Claiming that significant progress had taken place in road development, Pathirana pledges that the process will continue. He promises to work for a society where peace and harmony reins. A graduate of Peradeniya University, Pathirana entered national politics winning the Akmeemana electorate in the 1983 by-election. Massive development plan in hand - Vajira Abeywardene [UNP] A former professional Vajira Abeywardene pledges to lead the country and its stagnant economy in to a new era under the leadership of Ranil Wickremesinghe. He promises to provide financial assistance to tea, rubber and coconut small holders of the area. Claiming that the fisheries industry in the coastal area has potential to achieve world standards, if the necessary initiatives are taken by the Government, Abeywardene pledges to provide the local fishermen with modern equipment and training. He plans to carry out a number of massive development activities in the district including the Galle port, a new air port, and the Colombo-Matara highway with the cooperation of the international financial agencies. He hopes to develop schools through the school development centres which will be set up in every school. Educated at Mahinda College and Moratuwa University, where he was the president of the Samavadi Student Movement, Abeywardene entered politics in 1989 as a Provincial Council member of the Southern Provincial Council. He was elected a UNP member of Parliament at the 1994 General election. Boost for fishing industry - Chandrasena Wijesinghe [JVP] A rebel turned politician Chandrasena Wijesinghe pledges to salvage the country from the current socio-economic disaster through a well-planned development project.Claiming that the high price of fertilizer and lack of market facilities have posed a huge set-back to the tea small holders of the district, Wijesinghe promises to solve their problems in a systematic way. He plans to provide fishermen with new know-how and modern equipment and ensure a fair price for their products through a competitive market. He promises to upgrade living standard of the fishing community through the development of health care and education facilities. He promises to fight to protect Fisheries resources. Chandrasena promises to assist those who lost jobs as a result of the collapse of the tourism industry. He advocates a greater role of the tourism industry in the national economy. Claiming that there are limitations for the expansion of the Galle port, due to its natural location, he underlines the need of expanding the port. He would make way to provide employment opportunities to the educated unemployed youth in the district. Educated at Rahula College, Chandrasena Wijesinghe has been a JVP activist since 1976. He was arrested by police in 1989. He was appointed a politburo member of the party after his release in 1994. General Election Results
- 10.10.2000 Sri Lanka's second most populated district, next to Colombo, Gampaha once was a portrayal of the initial success of the country's economic liberalisation. It was there the country's first two free trade zones - Katunayake and Biyagama - were set up. And it also has the country's only international airport. By its very location next to rapidly developing Colombo, Gampaha is privileged to absorb some of the glory reflected by her neighbour. Industrialisation of the Western Province is moving towards Gampaha. Therefore, one could say - Gampaha is a 'lucky city.' Literacy is high and education facilities are relatively developed, so the district scores the highest marks in many fields at the university entrance examination. But development has yet to reach the villages of the district. On the coastal border of the district lies Negombo, one of Sri Lanka's most celebrated tourist destinations and an intense fishing concentration. At the heart of the city of Gampaha is the Henarathgoda Botanical Garden where the first rubber tree was planted 120 years ago, and a part of it still exists. Religious harmony is symbolised by the Kelaniya Temple - the place where the Buddha made his third visit to Sri Lanka - and by hundreds of Catholic churches dotting the southern belt of the district. Despite rapid industrialisation, Gampaha is not spared inherited socio-economic problems. Poor public transport and neglected minor roads not only in the rural areas but also in the city itself have posed a set - back to the development process. With industrialisation sweeping the city, the need for a well- laid town development plan aimed at transforming the city into a modern town has been felt for a long time. Contesting Parties United National Party, United Lalith Front, United Socialist Party, Eksath Sinhala Maha Sabhava, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, New Left Front, People's Alliance, Ruhunu Janatha Party, Sri Lanka National Front, Sri Lanka Progressive Front, Sri Lanka Muslim Kachchi, Sihala Urumaya, Sinhalaye Maha Sammatha Bhoomiputra Pakshaya, Six Independent Groups. Total Number of Registered Voters Wattala - 92,154 Negombo - 85,784 Katana - 106,508 Divulapitiya - 87,050 Mirigama - 100,833 Minuwangoda - 103,461 Attanagalla - 106,025 Gampaha - 116,768 Ja-Ela - 109,799 Mahara - 113,172 Biyagama - 93,735 Kelaniya - 79,217 More infrastructure development- Anura Bandaranaike [PA] The former Speaker and one time Opposition Leader, Anura Bandaranaike claims that the Gampaha District has seen unprecedented development in the last seven years. According to him, during the last seven years, a total of 11 towns in the district were developed under the urban development program, two eight storied hospitals were built with the Korean Aid, the Attanagalla sacred area was developed and, the Ragama flyover and a national playground at Nittambuwa were set up. The Investment Promotion Zones of Mirigama, Malwatte and Wathupitiwela, the Minuwangoda Industrial Township program and drinking water supply schemes in Attanagalla, Gampaha, Katana, Dompe, Divulapitiya and Mirigama are other achievements of the recent past, Bandaranaike says. The development of beach parks and the Negombo Lagoon are among his other proposed development works. Educated at Royal College and University of London, Bandaranaike entered the House in 1973. In 1983 he was made the Opposition leader, creating history as the youngest Opposition Leader Sri Lanka has had. In 1993, having resigned from the SLFP he joined the UNP and was soon appointed the Higher Education Minister in the time of the UNP Government. A few weeks ago, he resigned from the UNP and returned to the PA. A satellite-town dream- Karu Jayasuriya [UNP] UNP Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya says he has a special affinity for the area which he calls an educated electorate. Claiming that Gampaha has a growing appetite for change, the businessman turned politician promises to implement a large number of development program in the spheres of infrastructure, primarily in the areas of water supply and electricity. He pledges to make the Gampaha town a satellite town. In a bid to fulfil employment generation needs of the district, he promises to set up technical training institutes. Setting up the Investment Promotion Zone in the district is one of his dreams. Claiming that agriculture is one of the most depleted sectors in the Gampaha District, Karu Jayasuriya says that the economic development program of the UNP includes the promotion of pineapple and betel cultivation in the district. Claiming that the voters of the Gampaha District are conscious of a need for a change, he hopes that the December 5 polls will be a free and fair. Educated at Ananda College and ICSB in England, Karu Jayasuriya had been the Sri Lankan ambassador in Germany from 1992-94. In 1997, he was elected Mayor of the Colombo Municipal Council, but resigned to contest the Provincial Council election. He was elected an MP in the previous General Election. Underworld cronies will be dealt with -Vijitha Herath [JVP] A graduate of the Kelaniya University, Vijitha Herath promises to weed out the era of thug politics in the district and take all measures according to the law to deal with underworld figures and their cronies. He says this is the pressing need of the hour. Herath who has been a party activist since his undergraduate days, says the Gampaha District is notorious for political thuggery in the recent past. He assures that he and his party will do their utmost to establish a political culture sans terror or intimidation of any type. A former MP, Herath has intentions of expanding the employment opportunities for unemployed youths in the District through the development of several fields - information technology and agriculture are two such areas. Educated at Bandarawela MV and the Kelaniya University, Herath was elected a Provincial Council Member in the Western Provincial in 1999. He Was elected MP in the previous General Election. Herath is a JVP politburo member. General Election Results - 10.10.2000 Bounded by the sea to the south and the forest in the north, Hambantota lies on the deep South of Sri Lanka. Twenty miles east to salty city Hambantota, lies the most attractive city of the district Tissamaharama where the sacred Tissa Dagaba provides a fitting backdrop to the shimmering waters of the Tissa Wewa. - a portrayal of the interconnection between the religion and the livelihood of ancient Sri Lankans. Fondly referred to the land of milk and honey - and a decade ago during the JVP insurrection, guns - the Hambantota District twice in the recent past was the birth place for the JVP insurgencies. Though the both uprisings were suppressed harshly, causes for the events still exist. Unemployment is high among the youth; the pace of development in the long neglected district is not fast enough to redress the deep rooted poverty and other long standing grievances of the people. The benefits and achievements of economic liberalisation are yet to reach the isolated villages of the agricultural district. Education facilities in the rural areas are so poor that the district records a high rate of school leavers at the primary level. Poor infrastructure and of course geographical factors have hindered foreign investment. Poor health care facilities and public transport need the urgent attention of the policy makers. But there is a hope. A hope of revival of the long neglected district - the Hambantota Port Development project. If implemented, it would bring the entire Southern Province in to a new era. Such a massive project, which is being advocated by all three major political forces in the fray, would encourage foreign investment, develop the long neglected infrastructure, generate thousands of employment opportunities and, of course avoid the possibility of a third insurgency. Contesting Parties Total number of voters Mulkirigala - 82, 382
Beliatta - 70, 560
Tangalle - 94, 126
Tissa - 122,005
Total registered - 369,073
Sea water recycling project in hand - Mahinda Rajapakse [PA] Hambantota PA leader Mahinda Rajapakse is satisfied with the development activities the PA carried out in the district during the last seven years. According to him three fisheries harbours were developed and four irrigation projects in MAV-Ara, Udawalawe, Lunugamwehera amuna and Muruththawela were completed. The lawyer turned politician says the increase of students pass rate at the GCE O/Ls and A/Ls from 12 percent in 1994 to 34 percent in 2000 is a result of the development of the education sector under the PA. Claiming unemployment as the biggest problem in the area, Rajapakse pledges to implement the Hambantota Port Development Project. In a bid to find permanent solutions to the droughts in the area, Rajapakse promises to implement a sea water desalination project. Rajapakse who is also the senior vice president of the SLFP claims that electricity and telecommunication facilities were developed in the district to a greater extent and plans to implement a new project to increase electricity supply under Kuwaiti and Canadian aid. Rajapakse says that though the PA was able to solve a number of problems in the district, the treasure hunters who are still active in the area are yet to be brought to book. Educated at Richmond College, Galle and Nalanda College,Colombo and later at Prague Trade Union School, Mahinda Rajapakse entered politics in 1970 as the youngest MP of the then Parliament. Vocational training for youth - Ananda Kularatne [ UNP] Pointing to unemployment and low income levels of the people as a major problem, Hambantota UNP leader Kularatne promises to develop the district to the glory of Colombo within 25 years by implementing the Hambantota Harbour project. Claiming that he was the first person to make the proposal for the Hambantota Port with all statistics in Parliament, the businessman turned politician says that he is committed to implement the project soon to free the people in the district from poverty. He says the Hambantota Port would be the focal point for improving industries, providing markets for agricultural crops and also solving the unemployment problem. Saying that the drinking and irrigation water problem can be solved by using the resources at the district level, he proposes a major program for rehabilitation of minor tanks to preserve water during droughts. He also promises to set up more vocational training centres for the youth leaving education to provide them with job oriented training. Educated at Mahinda and Aquinas Colleges, Kularatne entered Parliamentary politics in the 1983 by-election. Having been unseated by the court order in 1983, he was re-elected MP at the 1985 by- election. He was successful in 1989 and 1994 general elections as well. Special attention on H'tota Harbour Project - Nihal Galappatti [JVP] A teacher turned politician, Nihal Galappatti says that the resources available in the Hambantota district are enough to solve its problems. He underlines the need for a special programme to preserve around 31,000 cubic feet of Walave-river-water annually flowing into the sea utilised by man. According to him the drinking and irrigation problems in the district can be solved through an efficient water resource management system of the 16 branches of the Walawe river. Around 1000 minor tanks in the district have to be improved for this purpose. A graduate of Ruhuna University, Galappatti claims that the implementation of the Hambantota harbour project alone can solve the unemployment problem in the district and neighbouring districts, too. Special attention should be given to the project as its benefits would free the country from its indebtedness within a year, he says. He says the better use of the major farming areas such as Weerawila, Middeniya and Ridiyagama can improve the small and medium scale industries in the district. According to him they are income avenues of high potential. Gallappatti underlines the need for the structural reform in the education sector. He promises to provide schools with more facilities such as libraries buildings and etc to improve the education level in the district. Educated at Kadurupokuna and Netolpitiya Schools, Gallappatti was arrested in 1989 during the insurgency in 1989. Released after four years of imprisonment, he was nominated by the JVP as its Parliamentarian from Hambantota in 1994 under the JVP-SLPF pact. He was re-elected in the previous General Election. General Election Results - 10.10.2000 Jaffna - this embattled city once was the citadel of Tamil learning and culture. The damaged and desolate buildings of this war ravaged city, now fortified with hundreds of military camps and thousands of men in camouflage fatigues, once were a reflection of the grandeur and genius of Tamil architecture. The story of the Jaffna farmer's continuous struggle with the burning sun, dry red soil and the famous Andi well has always been a tale of tears, and an object lesson to farmers of the south. Though the city is cursed by the war, it has a blessed soil, where whatever you grow will give the harvest, your hard labour deserves. At the heart of this city, once was a library, one of the best in Asia - but was turned to ashes by those who fuelled into the burning ethnic conflict at its initial stages. Jaffna peninsula has three main sectors: Vadamarachchi, Thenmadarachchi and Kodikamam. On the north most tip of the land is Kankesanturai Port which links the isolated city with the South. The land link is no more. Even under cursed circumstances, the Jaffna civilians still struggle for a better life with no electricity (power generators provides electricity only to the city limits) and less basic facilities. They cry only for one demand, it is peace - 'samadanam' -, nothing more. Contesting Parties Eelam People's Democratic Party, United National Party, United Socialist Party, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, Tamil United Liberation Front, New Left Front, Democratic People's Liberation Front, Democratic Left Front, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, Sihala Urumaya, One Independent Group. Registered Voters Kayts - 51,072 Vaddukkoddai - 60,967 Kankesanturai - 64,119 Manipay - 64,262 Kopay - 61,334 Uduppidy - 53,941 Point Pedro - 43,087 Chavakachcheri - 54,779 Nallur - 67,057 Jaffna - 55,244 Kilinochchi - 57,595 Total registered - 633,457 Deproscription of LTTE for peace - V. Anandasangari [TULF] TULF Jaffna leader V. Anandasangari intends to appoint a commission to investigate the use of public money in Jaffna district during the past 12 months, soon after his election. The way the public funds were used in the North, is suspect he claims. The teacher - lawyer turned politician pledges to free the people in Kayts and Delft who he said are enslaved. They are now in the grip of political slavery. Promising especially to develop Thenmadarachchi, the badly affected by the war, he has plans to renovate the entire peninsula. Anandasangari who is also the Acting President of the TULF promises to take all necessary measures for the relocation of the internally displaced people of the district. Those people will be provided with government assistance in their relocation process, he says. He pledges to take action to address the food shortage, too. He will work to his best for the de-proscription of the LTTE and peace talks between the Government and the LTTE. He underlines the need for lifting embargoes on some essential items, and promises to work for it. Anandasangari advocates possible changes of the provincial administration. He calls this election the last chance for Jaffna people to rid unscrupulous politicians. Educated at Atchchuveli Christian College, Hartley College, Jaffna and Zahira College, Colombo, Anandasangari was elected MP in 1970. He was re-elected in 1977 and 2000. Honourable political settlement in hand - Douglas Devananda [EPDP] EPDP leader Douglas Devananda has a twofold agenda. He pledges to bring an honourable political settlement for the ethnic conflict and solve problems of the day -to- day life of Jaffna's citizenry. The militant turned politician promises to do his best to satisfy the aspirations of the Tamil people through a new constitution. According to Devananda such a political settlement will force the LTTE to abandon its military stance and join to the democratic mainstream. Claiming that he has done his best to ease the burning problems of the Tamil people in Jaffna during his tenure as a minister of the former government, he pledges to take further action to reduce the cost of living and shortage of fuel and cement and other essential items. Devananda claims that he was able to bring an end to the monopoly of cargo shipping to Jaffna, and thus reduce the cost of transport from 55 dollars per metric ton to 29 dollars. He plans not only to rehabilitate the city but also the ideas of the people; not only to ensure a normal life to the people but also fresh blood. He expects to negotiate with the LTTE through international participation on opening a land route to Jaffna. Such a move would vastly reduce transport costs, he says. Devananda pledges to continue development activities he had begun. Devananda was the military wing leader of the Eelam People's Revolutionary Liberation Front (EPRLF), till he left the party over political differences in 1985. Having formed the EPDP he entered politics in 1989 after giving up armed struggle under the Indo - Sri Lanka Pact and joined hands with the security forces to strengthen the civil administration in the liberated islands in the North. He was elected MP in the 1994 General Election. Having been re- elected in 2000, he was appointed the Minister of Development, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation in the North. A better life for Jaffna civilians - T. Maheshvaran - [UNP] A businessman turned politician T. Maheshvaran says the entire administrative system in Jaffna district has to be changed to free the Jaffna population from perpetual suffering. The closure of the land routes to the peninsula caused much inconvenience and he pledges to open all land routes in the peninsula to enable the transportation of essential goods on lower cost. The restricting the transportation of goods to shipping leaves the biggest burden on civilians, he claims. Maheshwaran claims that since Jaffna is a fully cleared area there is no need for Defence Ministry clearance for the Jaffna people to visit other areas to attend their needs. They are even deprived of attending a funeral of their relative on time, he says. Claiming that the hospitals in the peninsula lack even basic medicines he pledges that the hospitals in the peninsula will be upgraded by providing more facilities under UNP regime. He says that a proper program should be launched to provide employment for qualified youth in spite of providing jobs for political henchmen. Over 12,000 school leavers are still unemployed since 1995, he points out. The students are deprived of their basic requirements. Even Government workers have to wait for long time to receive their salaries, he says. Protesting against the deprivation of the employment of traditional toddy tapers in Jaffna he pledges to issue licences for them to continue their profession. Born on January 10, 1966 Maheshwaran had his education at Karainagar Kanishta Vidyalaya and St. John's College, Chundikuli Jaffna. General Election Results
- 10.10.2000 Kalutara District Situated midway on the Galle-Colombo highway, Kalutara is blessed with the sacred Bo tree, at which all who pass or enter the city stop to pay homage to this ancient religious symbol of Buddhism. The territory of the district spreads up to the isolated mountainous villages of Bulathsinhala, Matugama and Agalawatte. Deep within the district and close to Bulathsinhala, lies "Pahiyan gala" where Fa Hsein, the Chinese explorer priest of the 5th century BC rested on his exploration of Sri Lanka. It is a venue which still attracts thousands of visitors annually. Rubber, tea, paddy and fruits are the main agricultural products of the district. The Rubber Research Institute is situated here at Agalawatta. Though the City of Kalutara is privileged by its very location close to the capital and absorbs some of the development reflected by her rapidly developing neighbour, the isolated rural villages in the forgotten corners of the district are not so fortunate. These rural areas which remain neglected because of their geographical location recognise that a massive rural development project is essential for the revival of their economy. Unemployment among the rural youth is high. Poor health and educational facilities in rural areas, specially in the plantations, need the urgent attention of policy makers. The rural infrastructure should be developed in order to attract more private sector investment. The proposed Perth Paradise project close to Horana has raised the hope of revival. However it will take some time to tell whether the expectation becomes a reality. Contesting Political Parties: Registered Voters Panadura - 96,487 Bandaragama - 98,871 Horana - 91,968 Bulathsinhala - 67,795 Matugama - 88,182 Kalutara - 95,698 Beruwala - 92,658 Agalawatta - 86,105 Total registered - 717,764 Largest industrial estate in Horana - Ratnasiri Wickremanayake [PA] Ratnasiri Wickremanayake pledges that he will establish Sri Lanka's largest industrial township which will span 123 acres in Horana. He believes that it will tackle the employment problem in the Kalutara District. He underlines two main issues - unemployment and the need for flood protection which are the main concerns of the people of Kalutara. Unemployment will be addressed though the industrial estate, he claims. According to him four entrepreneurs have already set up factories there while other investors will continue to come. All infrastructure facilities have been improved to attract more investors. There will be a housing scheme of 10,000 houses, he adds. Saying that a number of rubber based factories are being set up in the district, he pledges to establish more value added rubber based industries which will yield considerably higher prices for rubber, produced by small holders in the district. Emphasising the need to protect the major parts of the district from frequent floods he pledges to re-draw the Kalu Ganga Flood Protection project with Chinese assistance to prevent the flow of sea water into the mainland. Enhanced infrastructure facilities - Mahinda Samarasinghe [UNP] An economist turned politician Mahinda Samarasinghe underlines the necessity of improving infrastructure facilities in the district since it has become major barrier to investment in industry in the Kalutara district. Electricity supplies, drinking water, telecommunications services should be developed to attract more local and foreign investors, he points out. He pledges to provide practical solutions to problems faced by the tea and rubber small holders in the district as they receive low price for their products in the market. The problems of the fisher community in the district will be tackled through provision of more facilities and equipment to improve their living standards. He plans to reduce unemployment by attracting more investors and improving facilities for the tourism industry. He pledges to implement the Kalu Ganga flood protection program to prevent floods which regularly affect the lifestyle of the people in the district. Boost for small holders - Nandana Gunathilaka [JVP] Former JVP Presidential Candidate Nandana Gunathilaka says that under a JVP Government special emphasis will be payed to improve the rubber and rubber-based industries, cultivation and poultry farming, and address the problems of the fishing and tourism sectors. He says that still people in remote villages in the district do not have access to drinking water. Even the urban population in the district too face this problem. He pledges to provide solutions to the rubber small holders in the district as they receive low prices for their products. He noted that infusion of new technology is essential to the industry as early as possible which can improve the productivity and create more rubber base industries to tap the world market. This can invariably attract labours for higher salaries. Dearth of skilled tappers and other workers are one of the major problems the industry is experiencing today. This problem can be tackled by infusing new technology. More employment opportunities would also be created in the rubber industry. Fishing community in the district is unemployed half of the year. Therefore, an insurance scheme or an alternative will be introduced to solve this problem. General Election Results
- 10.10.2000 Kegalle - The foothills of Sri Lanka's central mountainous region were once described as self-sufficient - not because they had a huge agricultural sector, but because the rural farmer was able to fulfil his basic food requirements. The low- lands of this agricultural district of Sabaragamuwa have a clear quota of paddy, while tea and rubber claims the greater portion of highland allocated for cultivation. A few kilometres away from the city is the Pinnawala elephant orphanage,the biggest tourist attraction of the district. Deep in the countryside, close to the Ratnapura-Kegalle border lies Kitulgala, where the famous "Bridge on the river Kwai" was filmed. Mawanella, Rabukkana, Ruwanwella and Galigomuwa are the main towns of the district. Utuwan Kanda, where the legendary bandit Saradiyel had his hide-out, is few miles away from Mawanella. Although the natural beauty of the district is in abundance, it has not been spared the inherited problems of Sri Lankan State. Pot-holed roads, poor education and health care facilities, and long neglected infrastructure in the district underline the need for massive development. Such a project is essential for the revival of the stagnant local economy. Contesting Parties People's Alliance, United National Party, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, Eksath Sinhala Maha Sabawa,National Development Front, New Left Front, Bahujana Nidahas Peramuna, Liberal Party, Sri Lanka Progressive Front, Sihala Urumaya, Sinhalaye Maha Sammatha Bhumi Putra Pakshaya. Registered Voters Dedigama - 76,475 Galigamuwa - 59,001 Kegalle - 61,325 Rambukkana 1 - 56,580 Mawanella - 3,064 Aranayake - 47,648 Yatiyantota - 62,548 Ruwanwella - 61,914 Deraniyagala - 56,143 Total registered voters - 554,698 More attempts to upgrade gem and jewellery- Athauda Seneviratne [PA] Former Chief Minister Athauda Seneviratne pledges to continue development activities he had initiated. He insists on setting up an industrial park capable of providing 30,000 jobs at the "Digana estate." Claiming that 90 percent of the roads in the district were upgraded during his tenure as the Chief Minister, he promises to continue the development process. He claims he should be credited for the Road Development Plan of the Kegalle District, in which the maintenance of roads within the district was designated to the Central Government, Provincial Council, and local government bodies. The teacher turned politician says he has done his utmost to upgrade public transport facilities which he pledges to upgrade through the Asian Development Bank aid. Claiming that the school facilities were developed during the last few years, Seneviratne promises to continue in the same program. During the last few years a number of schools were provided with laboratory facilities and computer centres with the ADB and Japanese aid. A former Minister, Seneviratne plans to improve the drinking water supplies with the ADB assistance. He plans to set up five projects to fulfil the demand for the potable water. He promises to develop the gem and jewellery industry, and thus increase employment opportunities. Special courses in gem and jewellery craftsmanship have commenced at the Warakapola Technical College, he adds. Educated at Tholongamuwa Central College and St. Joseph's College, Gampola, Seneviratne worked at the Co-operative Wholesale Establishment, before he entered politics in 1960. At the 1994 General Elections he was elected MP from Kegalle and appointed as Deputy Minister of Public Administration, Plantation Industries and Parliamentary Affairs. Athauda, once a live wire of the LSSP, later joined the PA due to political differences. More industries- Rukman Senanayake [UNP] The UNP's leader in Kegalle pledges to rebuild the desolate economy of the district by restoring and shifting industries connected to the raw material available in the district. Since much of the district's population depends on rubber he emphasise the need for setting up rubber based industries in the district to boost the income level of small holders by ensuring a better price for their latex. The businessman turned politician says rubber planters in the district are undergoing a hard time due to lower prices. He also pledges to provide relief measures for tea small holders and the farmers in the district. As a solution for the unemployment problem in the district he pledges to reopen all the garment factories which are now closed due to economic crisis. He pledges a better road network rebuilding dilapidated roads with special attention to the roads in Deraniyagala and Aranayaka. The problems faced by students in some areas in Aranayaka and Deraniyagala due to the closure of some schools will also be given special attention, he says. A grand son of Sri Lanka's first Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake and a son of Robert Senanayake, Rukman Senanayake first entered Parliament in 1973 as the Member for Dedigama. But, he was sacked from the UNP by then UNP leader J.R. Jayawardene on the grounds of breach of discipline. Later he formed the Eksath Lanka Janatha Party with Dr. Gamini Wijesekera who later became the UNP General Secretary. The ELJP won the confidence of the JVP during the 1989-1990 period. He tried to facilitate negotiations between the then Government and the JVP, but was unsuccessful. He returned to the UNP in 1990 after dissolving the ELJP.
Fondly called Ethagalpura because of its location at the foot of giant rock - Ethagala - Kurunegala lies at the apex of the coconut triangle. The history of the city runs back to the ancient kingdom of Kurunegala - the then centre of the Sinhala monarchs who kept moving capitals in a desperate bid to avert South Indian invasions. Many highways running to various major cities of the country meet at Kurunegala making this extra warm and humid city busy and crowded - its very location next to the massive sundrenched Ethagala accounts for the heat. This is the third most populated district with 1.4 million people after Colombo and Gampaha. And this is the largest coconut producing area of the country. The coconut estates encompass the district, but now with the local market for coconut oils reduced - a clear victory of the propaganda machine of the multinational companies - the farmers are beginning to feel hopeless. The entire district is not spared the socio-economic problems of the country; poor health and education facilities at village level and neglected infrastructure in the city itself and the rural area pose a huge set-back to local development. Water for agriculture and better markets for harvest are the major issues Kurunegala is facing. Contesting Political Parties United National Party, United Lalith Front, Eksath Sinhala Maha Sabhava, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, National Development Front, New Left Front, People's Alliance, Democratic United National Front, Ruhunu Janatha Party, Liberal Party, Sri Lanka National Front, Sri Lanka Progressive Front, Sri Lanka Muslim Kachchi, Sihala Urumaya and Seven Independent Groups. Registered Voters Galagamuwa
- 84,703 Dream of a self sustained district-S.B. Navinna [PA] A businessman turned politician and the present Chief Minister of the North Western Provincial Council Navinna underlines the need to develop the irrigation system in the district to improve agriculture and agro based industries. He says a major irrigation project is underway to restore around 6000 minor tanks which are now all but abandoned. Satisfied with the health sector improvement he plans to develop all small hospitals in the district. The Nikaveratiya hospital was upgraded at a cost of Rs.90 million and a major hospital project 'Suvamedura' was also completed, he says. Stressing the necessity to improve power supplies he says negotiations have already been done with a Japanese company to set up 350 MW power project to add power to the national grid. This will be a boost to investors in industry since energy supply has been was a major barrier. The unemployment problem will also be tackled through encouraging investment. A plan is underway to bring all the administrative institutions to a central office, a project costing Rs.237 million, while allocating Rs.500 million for the development of Kurunegala city. He also expects to solve the district's educational problems mainly caused by lack of teachers for certain subjects by recruiting educated youth as teachers from the district itself. An old boy of Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala, he first entered politics in 1977 spearheading the SLFP election campaign in 1977. He successfully contested the general election in 1989. Navinna resigned his seat in 1993 to contest the election for the North Western Provincial Council. Kurunegala will be centre for traders-Gamini Jayawickrema Perera [UNP] A sportsman turned politician Gamini Jayawickrema Perera has a vision to develop Kurunegala district by expanding Kurunegala city as major junction town due to its easy accessibility to many parts of the country. He pledges to turn the Kurunegala city into a centre of exchange for wholesale and retail business. The shifting of more motor vehicle traders to Kurunegala will be facilitated through the expansion of Kurunegala city, he explains. He also plans to attract more investors by establishing more Free Trade Zones. Kuliyapitiya, Katugampola, Bingiriya, Wariyapola and Nikaveratiya will be centres for these development process. The establishment of industrial zones will also be done making Kurunegala city the central point of these Free Trade Zones. He pledges to provide considerably higher prices for the agricultural products of the district by establishing more agro based industries and expects to tackle the unemployment problem through the establishment of these trade zones. A better road network connecting all major cities of the country is a prerequisite of his vision of development. The education level will be improved through the establishment of Technological Institutes to provide better knowledge on science and technology for the students. To break the monopoly of multinationals-Bimal Ratnayake [JVP] JVP Kurunegala district leader, Bimal Ratnayake identifies three main areas - coconut and paddy cultivation and rehabilitation of irrigation systems. Claiming that the small and medium scale entrepreneurs of the coconut related industries are now fighting for survival due to the monopoly of few multinational companies, Ratnayake underlines the need for Government intervention to break the monopoly. He promises to provide tax relief to the farmers and increase the living standard of workers through appropriate measures. The rebel turned politician pledges to restore neglacted irrigation works which are a serious set-back to the local farmer. He plans to renovate 10,000 small tanks within their first 3 years in power. A graduate of the Kelaniya University, Bimal Ratnayake pledges to provide fertilizer subsidies and interest-free short term development loans to the farmers. Claiming the village level infrastructure is terrible, Ratnayake underlines the need for a rapid development project with special attention to Yapahuwa, Galgamuwa and Giribawa. He pledges to provide school children a mid-day meal and increase the expenditure on education up to 5 percent of the GDP - the policy decisions of the JVP manifesto. General Election Results - 10.10.2000 [General Election - 10.10.2000 : More Districts...]
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