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| Wednesday, 21 November 2001 |
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Politics | |
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Mahanuwara | Matale | Matara | Moneragala | Nuwara Eliya | Until its capitulation in 1815 by the British, this idyllic city in the central hills, above the Balana - pass was the capital of the last Sinhala Kingdom. At the heart of the city - fondly called Senkadagalapura - is one the most sacred Buddhist places of worship, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth ("Dalada Maligawa") where the tooth relic of the Buddha is still protected. Every year in the month of July, the tooth relic is paraded along the streets of this beautiful city in a pageant that has been knowledged as one of the most colourful and unique in the world. Flanking the Dalada Maligawa is the tranquil Bogambara Wewa engineered by king Wimaladharmasuriya doubly enhancing the beauty of this ancient Royal City. A few miles away lies one of the most prestigious academic institutions of Asia, the University of Peradeniya founded in 1942. The Peradeniya Botanical Gardens well-known for its biodiversity is yet another the world landmark. The Embakkke Devalaya internationally acknowledged for its ancient woodcarvings lies deep in the district, close to Gampola. Though the city of Kandy is blessed with the Tooth Temple and, of course, a cool climate the district remains shalked by the inherited problems of Sri Lankan State. However, its comparatively developed infrastructure and health care and education facilities have offered majority of its citizenry a better living standard than people in most of other districts. The isolated mountainous villages in the forgotten corners of the district, where the benefits of modernisation have yet to reach need the urgent attention of policy makers. Contesting Political Parties Registered Voters Galagedara - 48,642 Harispattuwa - 126,815 Patha Dumbara - 67,327 Uda Dumbara - 49,524 Teldeniya - 37,879 Kundasale - 70,383 Hewaheta - 57,850 Senkadagala - 61,677 Mahanuwara - 35,351 Yatinuwara - 66,518 Udunuwara - 65,863 Gampola - 77,854 Nawalapitiya - 72,986 Total registered - 838,687 Development through accelerated projects-Gen. Anuruddha Ratwatte [PA] The Minister of Land, Irrigation and Power and Deputy Minister of Defence Gen. Ratwatte pledges to develop infrastructure, electricity and drinking water supplies. Claiming that he has done his best to develop infrastructure. Gen. Ratwatte promises to continue on the same course. Identifying unemployment as one of the most serious problems in the district, the Army officer turned politician plans to launch a massive development project with special attention to the neglected rural areas. Rural infrastructure development will be given the highest priority. In a bid to increase job opportunities, Gen Ratwatte pledges to expand the Pallekele Free Trade Zone. The development will be further enhanced by the Colombo - Kandy super highway. He pledges that this will be an "accelerated" development program too. Once a brilliant ruggerite who played for Kandy Sports Club, Gen. Ratwatte says he will pay special attention to sports development. Claiming that he has already developed eighteen playgrounds in the district, he promises to maintain the progression. Educated at Trinity College, Ratwatte was a member of the Kandy Municipal Council from 1966 to 1971 and from 1979 to 1989. Having served for 14 years in the army's regular and volunteer forces, he resigned as a Lieutenant Colonel. Later he was promoted to the rank of General by President Chandrika Kumaratunga. Having been the Administrative Secretary of the SLFP since 1968, he entered Parliament as a national list MP in 1989. Gen.Ratwatte was re-elected MP in the 1994 General Election and appointed Minister of Irrigation, Power and Energy and the Deputy Minister of Defence. Plan to attract genuine investors-Tissa Attanayake [UNP] A student activist turned politician Tissa Attanayake will focus on an extensive program to solve land, unemployment and poverty which he claims are major threats to develop the district. Claiming that lack of land has kept the public without their own homes, he pledges to distribute acrages of infertile and unproductive land now being maintained as plantations. He says, more industries related to resources and raw materials available will be set up to tackle unemployment problem effectively. A well organised program will be launched to attract 'genuine investors' especially to the Pallekele Free Trade Zone, he says. He promises the farmers a better market oriented strategies for their crops and better prices for their products. Complaining that 40 per cent of the population in the district is in the darkness despite its contribution to power generation he pledges the supply of electricity for the remote parts of the district too. Completing his primary education at the Uduwawala Vidyalaya, he later moved on to the Sanghabodhi Maha Vidyalaya, Minipe from which he entered the Kelaniya University and earned a commerce special degree. He was an executive officer of the Fisheries Harbour Corporation from 1985 to 1987. He first entered Parliament in 1989 at the age of 28 and was appointed Higher Education
Minister in August 1993. Later he was appointed the Minister in charge of Universities
until the general election in 1994. Matale, a district of mysttic beauty, lies at the slopes of the Knuckles mountain range. Internationally acclaimed for its biodiversity and orchids endemic to Sri Lanka, the beautiful hills, assailed by deforestation for agriculture development are fighting a battle for survival. A few miles away is the ancient Buddhist temple of Aluwiharaya, where the 'Tripitaka' was transcribed during the Polonnaruwa era. Far away is the city of Dambulla, one of the busiest commercial centres of the country. It is at Dambulla where farmers and wholesale traders of the Central and North Central province meet their customers who come from all over the country to buy their produce in bulk to be retailed in Colombo and the rest of the country. Sigiriya, the fortress of King Kashyapa rises close to the North Central Province border. Built by Kashyapa - who moved his residence to this giant 400-foot rock fortress to avoid a possible invasion by his enraged brother Mugalan. Sigiriya now attracts hundreds of thousands of local and foreign tourists. The problems of the city are not different from those of any other less fortunate Sri Lankan district, whose majority is neglected because of their geographical location. Poor infrastructure, education and health care facilities in the isolated mountainous villages of the district need the urgent attention of policy makers. Unemployment among youth is high and the stagnant local economy is incapable of creating new employment opportunities. A well designed development project with special attention to the rural area is the need for the revival of the district. Contesting political parties Registered Voters Dambulla
- 102,302 Dream of a food Exporting Zone-Janaka Bandara Tennakoon [PA] Police officer turned politician Janaka Bandara Tennakoon is satisfied with the development work during the PA regime and pledges for more after the polls. He claims the PA had improved the desolated district to a great extent during the past seven years. The Dedicated Economic Centre constructed at a cost of Rs. 110 million at Dambulla is one of the biggest achievements of the Matale District he claims. The centre where farmer meets trader has contributed to the improvement of entreprenuership tremendously, he says. He pledges to expand this further with a new Rs. 250 million export zone which will have processing and packing for dehydrated fruits and vegetables. This will ensure that the produce of the district will reach the international markets. The Government has really improved the conditions of a community 90 per cent of which are farmers. In addition there is the visible development of infrastructure such as roads and bridges, hospitals and schools. Underlining unemployment as a biggest problem he says the Government's decision to create and enhance opportunities for the agricultural sector has paid rich dividends. The ultimate goal of the Government is to boost agro and graphite based industries for which the raw materials are available in the District. "We also want to create a disciplined society within the District which is rid of violence," he says. Educated at the Dharmaraja College Kandy he joined the Police service and rose to the position of Headquarters Inspector. He is a son of former Minister T.B. Tennakoon and a brother of SLFP stalwart Yasaratne Tennakoon. More agro-based industries-Alick Aluvihare [UNP] An agriculturist and businessman turned politician Alick Aluvihare has a vision for developing this agricultural district by establishing more agro based industries. He emphasises the necessity of increasing cattle and poultry farms for proper utilisation of desolated bare lands, thus tackling the unemployment problem. Complaining that the money allocated for development projects in the district had not been utilised in a reliable manner during the PA regime, he pledges proper utilisation of funds. Underlining the problems faced by students due to lack of good schools he pledges the establishment of more national schools. He says students have to hold up their education due to a lack of educational facilities. Claiming that the neglected road network has not been given proper attention by the Road Development Authority or the Provincial Council he pledges to upgrade those roads as a matter of highest priority for the development of the district. Since a large number of people depend on handicrafts he pledges for a better market for their products. The tourism industry in the district will also be improved on the basis of up-to-date data. Aluvihare entered national and local politics 1947 after his education at Vijaya Vidyalaya, Matale. In 1961 he was elected MP for Matale during a by election consequent on the death of his uncle Bernard Aluvihare. He was Mayor of Matale. He was the Post and Telecommunications Minister in 1990 and Minister of Ports and Shipping in 1991. General Election Results - 10.10.2000 Matara, recognised as the 'radical' region and the birthplace of many a rebellion during the era of Sri Lankan monarchy, remains true to its reputation to this day. Two kilometres away from the city is the University of Ruhuna founded in 1979. Dozens of fishing villages, Mirissa, Devundara, Kottegoda and Dikwella are along the coastal belt - Fishing is the livelihood of a greater part of the local population and its sons are reaping its benefits . The district reaches up to the world heritage site of Sinharaja. The mountainous region bordering the forest produces Sri Lanka's best low country teas. The history of Matara runs back to the reign of King Kawantissa, the King of Magama father of Dutugemunu who found his spouse, Vihara Maha Devi, sacrificed to the deities by her father Kelanitissa, washed ashore at Kirinda. Neglected by successive Governments since Independence, Matara has its own modern day grievances. The frustration of local youth led to two leftist insurgencies in 1971 and 1989 - though the both were ruthlessly crushed, the causes for the uprisings still exist. Limited opportunities, mainly for the youth, is the main reason. Though the recent years have shown signs of the revival of this once neglected district, the ongoing development activities are not fast enough to address the grievances of the people. An accelerated development project is the need of the district. Contesting political parties Registered voters Deniyaya
- 77,540 A dream of glorifying city - Mangala Samaraweera [PA] Urban Development and Public Utilities Minister Mangala Samaraweera pledges the development of Matara town to the glory of Western Province by the year 2006 through the Integrated Town Development Program which has already been launched. Claiming that the PA during the last seven years brought significant progress to the city, which he says was neglected by the UNP regime, he pledges to continue on the same course with special attention to electricity, telecommunication and water supply. The design technology consultant turned politician plans to develop towns through an accelerated development program. The Deniyaya, Hakmana, Matara and Akuressa town development projects have already begun. He also plans to add Dikwella, Weligama and Kamburupitiya towns to the same development process. Underlining youth unemployment as one of today's burning problems, he promises to speed up job creation through the setting up of new free trade zones and industrial parks. He pledges to improve health care facilities and provide the schools with computer centres and laboratories. Educated at Rahula College, Matara and Royal College, Colombo Mangala Samaraweera had his higher education at the Walthamforest College and St. Martins School of Arts, London. A visiting lecturer of the University of Kelaniya, he was appointed the Matara SLFP organiser. Mangala was elected MP for Matara in the 1989 General Election and re-elected in 1994 when he was appointed Post and Telecommunication Minister of President Chandrika Kumaratunga's Cabinet. An end to political suppression - Mahinda Wijesekera [UNP] Rebel turned politician Mahinda Wijesekera leading the UNP candidates in Matara says the expenditure on war should be diverted to launch massive development projects in the South by ending the war soon to tackle desperate problems the district faces. The war should end through the creation of an environment where people can move in any part of the country irrespective of their ethnicity. He underlines poverty, unemployment and disparity in income levels of the people as major issues that should have provided immediate solutions. An Attorney-at-Law by profession Wijesekera points to the necessity of a highly educated youth population with respectable jobs according to their educational qualifications. The road network, electricity supplies, transportation facilities should be upgraded to attract more investors to set up industries, he says. The Hambantota harbour and the Airport should be constructed soon, to tackle the problems in the district through those massive development projects. The products of the farmers should exposed to international market by attracting international buyers to the country through those projects, he says. He pledges to provide necessary facilities and technology for the fishermen who have faced with severe problems to enable them to fish in the international territorial waters. He emphasise the necessity of freeing the people in the district from political suppression and prejudices based on caste. As a student activist attached to the Communist Party of Sri Lanka he entered Vidyodaya University in 1967 and became the president of the Inter University Joint Students Federation. In 1971 he was elected president of the Patriotic Students' Front affiliated to the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna. During the 1971 insurgency he was taken into police custody in the jungles of Rakwana. He was the 25th accused in the main trial and was a remand prisoner for four years and got himself released by defending himself during Criminal Justice Commission trial. He joined the Law College in 1976 and passed out as an Attorney-at-Law and joined the SLFP in 1981 and was appointed the organiser for Devinuwara. A better tomorrow for fishing -Jinadasa Kithulegoda [JVP] A bank officer turned politician, Kithulegoda claims that the Nation Building Plan of the JVP has solutions to the socio-economic problems of Matara district. Claiming that Matara is suffering from all socio-economic problems the country is heir to, he underlines the need for a well designed blueprint for development. Claiming the Hambantota and Matara have the worst unemployment problems the Matara JVP leader promises to accelerate job creation programs. He promises to wipe out political interference in the Government Service salary increments and promotions. He pledges to ensure that Government jobs are offered only on education qualification. A graduate of Sri Jayawardenepura University , Kithulagoda calls the Nilwala Scheme a failed project. Claiming that wrong political decisions have resulted its failure, he pledges implementation of a new scheme to provide solutions to floods in Matara and drought in the Hambantota district. If the 15,000 acres of paddy lands, which are currently abandoned due to flooding can be harvested, rice could be produced here for the whole district, he says. Kithulagedoa pledges to develop the fisheries industry through Government assistance. Claiming that the middleman has exploited both the fisherman and the customer, he plans to remove the middleman from the scene through setting up of fisherman's co-operative societies. Kitulegoda underlines the need for upgrading the facilities in the Matara General Hospital, and promises to do so if the JVP is given the mandate. He says that the JVP has done its best to pass on benefits to the people during the 35 days of probationary Government. Claiming that the JVP has shown that it is capable of fulfilling the aspirations of the people, he asks for people's mandate to develop the country. Educated at Middeniya Vidyalaya and Sri Jayawardenepura University, Jinadasa Kitulegoda joined the JVP in 1968. In 1990 he was appointed the Matara JVP organiser. He was elected MP in the 2000 General Election. General Election Results - 10.10.2000
Fondly reffered to down the generations as Vellassa for its vast fields of paddy Moneragala, a century and half ago, was the theatre for a bitter battle against British imperialism, the Uva rebellion. Ultimately crushed ruthlessly with villages torched and thousands of men and women massacred, Moneragala never got rid of the throes of the British rampage in 1848 nor did any Government in post colonial Sri Lanka genuinely try to address the grievances of the decendents of those brave men and women. Moneragala is poor. Poor for geographical reasons and also bureaucratic and political negligence. However, the ancient history of this part of Sri Lanka tells a different story. During the reign of King Agbo II, South Asia's biggest eye hospital was situated here at Maligawila, a few miles away Moneragala. Within its archaeological preserves now engulfed by jungle, is the Maligawila Buddha statue, the tallest free standing Buddha statue in the world and deeper still is the Kirivehera, which housed the Holy Hair Relic of Lord Buddha in the reign of King Mahasen. Adjacent to it is the Kataragama Devalaya, a destination of devotees of all faiths. Today the district records the highest rates of unemployment and malnutrition. A vicious cycle of poverty is visible everywhere. Frustrated local youth played a crucial role in two leftist insurgencies in the recent past. Limited scope of opportunity is the principal reason for frustration among its youth. One of the main drawbacks of the District is the lack of irrigation facilities for paddy and other cash crops. If not for this encumbrance, the economic problems of the District would never have been. It is also a rich and fertile ground for the cultivation of sugar cane, and other cash crops such as citrus, lemon and lime. A well-designed rural development program coupled with a subsidiary program for local farmers is the urgent need today. Contesting Parties United National Party, United Lalith Front, Jantha Vimukthi Peramuna, New Left Front, People's Alliance, Bahujana Nidahas Peramuna, Liberal Party, Sri Lanka National Front, Sri Lanka Progressive Front, Sihala Urumaya and six Independent Groups Registered voters Bibile - 62,810 Moneragala - 78,033 Wellawaya - 106,437 Total registered - 247,280 More attention on education Sumedha- G. Jayasena [PA] Former Deputy Minister of Buddha Sasana, Sumedha G. Jayasena says that a program of development has been in activation through the last seven years. Pointing to the construction of the new bus stand, development of Moneragala Base Hospital and renovation of once neglected irrigation works as achievements during her tenure as an MP and Deputy Minister, she pledges to continue on the same development course. Identifying a shortage of teachers as the main obstacle to the development of the education sector, the teacher turned politician proposes a program to recruit local youth as teachers after adequate training. Since no one from the urban areas has been willing to teach in Moneragala, this is the only solution and local schools should be provided with modern facilities she says. Claiming the electrification to the district increased at a cost of Rs. 60 million, Sumedha G. Jayasena pledges further development at a cost of Rs. 80 million with Kuwaiti aid. She promises to provide farmers with new irrigated land to improve their living standards. Sumedha admits she failed although she did her utmost to attract local and foreign investors. Investors don't like to come to Moneragala due to its poor infrastructure and geographical obstacles, she says. But she was able to set up a fruit factory and a garment factory. She pledges to continue her effort to entice investors to the poverty stricken district. Industrial development top priority-R. M.Darmadasa Banda [UNP] Teacher turned politician, Darmadasa Banda pledges to provide Government assistance in the form of fertiliser subsidies, water and financial assistance to the farmers who constitute 95 percent of Moneragala population. Claiming that a number of factories, which were set up during the UNP regime are now closed down, Agricultural Development and Research Minister of the previous UNP regime, promises to re-open the institutions. This will be one of his priorities. The construction of three new sugar factories for which the UNP signed agreements with investors was abandoned by the PA. He pledges to bring the investors back. Setting up the three factories will provide employment opportunities for 75,000, he says. A 300-acre nursery of fruit plants which he set up in 1993 has been abandoned. Darmadasa Banda promises to revive the project. An Attorney-at- Law, Darmadasa Banda plans to address the shortage of school teachers through the recruitment of educated youth in the locality. He promises to provide schools with laboratories and computer facilities and pomote English education. According to him the lack of modern technology is the main problem local hospitals face, not the dearth of doctors. Local roads are "terrible", and he promises to implement an accelerated road development program. Educated at Medagama Maha Vidyalaya, Bibile, Ananda Sastralaya, Kotte and Zahira College, Colombo Darmadasa Banda took to politics when his brother, R. M. Gunasekara was shot dead in 1964. Darmadasa Banda was appointed Deputy Minister of Textile Industries of the UNP Government in 1977. In 1989, he was appointed Up-country Rehabilitation Minister and later in 1990 Minister of Agricultural Development and Research. General Election Results - 10.10.2000 Every year, in the month of April and August thousands of citizens from the country's steaming low country seek relief in this cool haven high in the central hills of Sri Lanka. April is when Nuwara Eliya's air is fresh with the scent of new blossoms, when its idle race-course come alive, motor races thrill the more adventurously inclined and one of the best golf courses in South Asia receives its patronage. Nuwara Eliya with its mist covered Pidurutalagala, the highest peak in Sri Lanka at 8200 feet over mean sea level, beautiful waterfalls and cool climes, underlines the climatic diversity of this tropical island nation. Deep with it lies the Horton Plains recognise as a world heritage site along with the rainforest Singharaja to the South West. It was to labour at tea estates in Nuwara Eliya, that the British planters brought labour from South India, whose descendants, Tamils of Indian origin, now comprise a greater portion of the local population. Though centuries have passed and British rule has come to its end with local leaders taking legislative and executive powers, very little progress can be recorded in the living standards of these men and women now widely known as "Upcountry Tamils." They are now making their presence felt. The district produces the greater part of the country's tea, vegetable and potato needs. But, with cheep imported potatoes intruding the local market, the vegetable farmers has found their a hopeless lot. Poor infrastructure, education and health care facilities are obvious obstacles to sustainable development. The inherited problems of the Tamils of Indian origin and the modern day grievances of the provincial farmers should be addressed. Contesting Parties United National Party,United Socialist Party, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, National Democratic Party, National Development Front, New Left Front, People's Alliance,Democratic Left Front, Bahujana Nidahas Peramuna, Sri Lanka National Front,Sri Lanka Progressive Front, Sihala Urumaya. Registered voters Nuwara Eliya-Maskeliya - 228,317 Kotmale - 62,232 Hanguranketa - 60,044 Walapane - 66,671 Total registered - 417,264 More attention on estate workers- C.B. Ratnayake [PA] A businessman turned politician C.B. Ratnayake pledges to develop this picturesque district to face the challenges of the 21st century by introducing modern technology. The process of improving the living standards of estate workers by establishing an Estate Infrastructure Development Ministry by the PA Government will be continued ensuring a better future for the estate workers, he says. The living standards of the estate workers will be improved enabling them to become Government workers and to have well appreciated jobs in society. The estate workers should be given due recognition, and share this country as a Sri Lankan nation. He underlines the necessity of upgrading the agro-based economy of the district since the majority of its population depends on agriculture. He pledges to provide jobs for educated and intellectual youth to ensure a better future and prominent place in society.The dilapidated road network should receive priority attention thus improving the public transport facilities. He pledges to continue the process of developing places of scenic beauty and the tourism industry which is one of the major income generating sources. The facilities needed to fulfil the necessities of the local and foreign tourists will be further improved to attract more tourists.Educated at Deegalahinna Vidyalaya, Nuwara Eliya, Matabambiya MV, Nuwara Eliya and Vidyartha Vidyalaya, Kandy he in 1989 he was appointed Walapane's SLFP organiser. A better tomorrow for farmer-Naveen Dissanayake [UNP] The eldest son of the late Gamini Dissanayake and the youngest UNP district team leader pledges a better future for the population depends on agriculture.Claiming that the PA Government's decision to import potatoes had hit the farmers hard he pledges to impose restrictions on the import of potato to sooth their woes. He also pledges to provide more subsidies for the potato farmers and other farmers to improve their living standards.An Attorney-at-Law by profession Naveen points to the necessity for the implementing of a crash program to uplift the living standards of estate workers amounting 216,000. Special attention should be given to this section of people to ease their misery, he says. Underlining the high unemployment rate in the district he pledges to establish more industries with higher technology. Emphasising the necessity of upgrading the road network of the district he pledges to give priority to improving the Hatton Nuwara Eliya road. Claiming that the health services in the district too have not been given proper attention he emphasises the necessity of establishing a hospital in Hatton with modern facilities. Educated at St. Thomas Primary School, Colombo, Royal College, Colombo and Melbourne Grammar School in Australia he graduated with a BA Honours degree in Law from the Sussex University in the UK. He secured the highest number of preferential votes in the Nuwara Eliya district in the year 2000 Parliamentary elections. General Election Results - 10.10.2000 Once, the capital of one of ancient Sri Lanka's most prosperous kingdoms, when the nation was self sufficient in its food needs and exported the surplus, Polonnaruwa still presents only the past glory. Aptly named the sea of Parakrama engineered by that same King Parakramabahu is still there, providing water for thousand acres of paddy. Overlooking the reservoir is the free standing controversial statue - some believe it is of King Parakramabahu while some suspect it portrays Pulasthi Irshi, but according to another argument it is the Kapila Irshi who lived in this region long ago. At the heart of the archaeological site lies Nishshanka Latha Mandapaya built by King Nishshanka Malla in the midst of hundreds of ancient ruins. Minor irrigation reservoirs built in the days of yore life scattered but still backbone of the farming community. Today the paddy cultivator pleads for marketing facilities. Abandoned tanks and pot-holed roads pose a huge obstacle to progress. Poor infrastructure, health care and educational facilities need the urgent attention of policy makers. A well planned development project with special attention to the isolated villages deep in the district is clearly the need of the times. Contesting Parties United National Party, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, New Left Front, People's Alliance, Democratic United National Front, Ruhunu Janatha Party, Sri Lanka Progressive Front, Sihala Urumaya, Sinhalaye Maha Sammatha Bhoomiputra Party and Four Independent Groups. Registered Voters Minneriya
- 66,645 Towards creating the country's granary -Maitripala Sirisena [PA] Mahaweli Development and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Maitripala Sirisena pledges to upgrade the district which is famously known as paddy producing district to a centre for rice production in line with the latest technology. He has introduced a novel program to popularise indigenous agricultural methods instead of using imported agro-chemicals and fertilizers. He pledges he will break the monopoly enjoyed by the private sector in supplying of fertilizers and agro chemicals by strengthening state sector institutions. Unemployment a major problem will be effectively tackled by providing opportunities for 5000 youth through the expansion of the Laksha Uyana Industrial Park. More investors have consented to invest in this industrial park to boost the economy of the district, he says. The schools of the district will be upgraded he says. The provision of facilities for remote schools should be given priority he says. Problems faced due to the acute shortage of teachers should be tackled by introducing "Guru Gammana" concept. He pledges to complete foreign funded irrigation projects in the district with the least delay to facilitate paddy cultivation while introducing lift irrigation system to popularise home gardening. The health sector will also be given priority to improve the in the district, he says. The son of a colonist he studied at the Royal College, Polonnaruwa. He is a diploma holder in agriculture and received a training in political affairs in Cuba. He was appointed president of the SLFP Youth Organisation in 1981. From 1968-72 he played an active role in the national student movement. Sophisticated industries with advanced technology -Earl Gunasekera [UNP] A businessman turned politician Earl Gunasekera has a vision to develop this historic district which he compared to a ruined 'Dagaba' to its prestigious glory by removing the debris and cementing its old but strong bricks. He pledges a better price for the paddy harvest without any interference by middlemen for the farmers of this terrorist threatened district. He underlines the necessity for a better market for paddy farmers and a special program to ensure their security and a peaceful environment. Technology based industries will be set up in the district to provide employment for the second generation of the farmer community who are now faced with severe problems due to the lack of agricultural lands. Such industrial parks will be established in city centres like Medirigiriya, Hingurakgoda, Thamankaduwa, Dimbulagala and Siripura, he says. A well equipped Vocational Training Centres will be set up for the benefit of the youth passing out from schools. He pledges to improve available infrastructure to uplift the living standards of the population in the district while improving the facilities for the expansion of tourism industry. Pointing to a he pledges to solve this problem a day after becoming his election. The son of cultivator in Hingurakgoda, Mr. Gunasekera had his education in Kingswood College, Kandy and earned a Diploma in languages from Tripur in Nepal. He first entered Parliament in 1994 on the UNP national list and successfully contested the 2000 Parliamentary Election by obtaining highest number of preferential votes. General Election Results - 10.10.2000 [General Election - 10.10.2000 : Previous page] |
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