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by A.W. Gunawardana

I never thought my political ally S.B. Dissanayake will cut short his political career so soon, Urban Development, Public Utilities, Housing and Sports Minister Mangala Samraweera said.

Speaking at a gathering of Samurdhi animators at Matara Uyanwatta Stadium, Minster Samaraweera said: "S.B. Disanayaka took steps to invest a sum of Rs. 950 million of the Samurdhi Funds in a Bank of the private sector. A part of the interest accrued on the funds so invested has not been accounted for. Therefore S.B. Dissanayake was questioned about these dealings by the President. Thereafter, he developed a grudge with the President to the extent of crossing over to the Opposition."

"I feel pity for him when I saw his face on the T.V. screen. I never thought my political ally SB will cut short his political career so soon".

Minister Samaraweera further said: "Since 1948, after attaining independence all politicians made poverty a tool to grab political power. Once 'Janasaviya' was introduced; relief under this was limited to a few living in the hamlets of Dickwella, Hakmana, Mulatiyana. Poor people lived in other areas were overlooked. Rs. 25,000/- being savings out of Janasaviya had not been banked to the credit of recipients. That promise was only on paper.

In 1994, Samurdhi Movement was started to provide relief to the poor. It is a movement carried out with greater success. Even foreign governments have shown a keen interest in the movement. UNPers identified this movement as a bogus movement, began to discredit Janasaviya.

"A large sum of money has been invested in this movement and much greater than that invested on Janasaviya.

"This movement will be directly handled by the President herself; without allowing others to misuse the aims and purposes of the movement. Request of the animators for homes will also be considered."

Minister for Trade Industrial Development and Rural Industries Ronnie de Mel said:

"I am not contesting the election this time, because my name is appearing in the national list. From 1965 till now I have served as a parliamentarian. I have not lost at any election.

"I could not contest in 1989, yet I became an appointed MP. When I was busy both with national and international affairs, it was Mallika de Mel who looked after the interests of the voters of the district.

She is standing for election, this time, as Mahinda Wijesekara crossed over, Mallika had to oblige the request of both the President and voters of the area".

"During the last six years Samurdhi Animators had performed an excellent service. Had they not been dedicated to their task so well; Samurdhi Movement would not have been so successful. Services rendered by them to eliminate poverty and to uplift the agrarian services are commendable.

"During the UNP regime 60,000 youth were murdered of that number 5600 are from the district of Matara. I escaped assassination five times. Later, I went abroad.

"Those politicians who levelled guns at us have now became UNP candidates. Present government has guaranteed the safe living for the people. People of Ruhuna will never allow the country to be divided.

Former Deputy Minister Chandasiri Gajadheera said: "Samurdhi Animators are a lot who did their best to instal a progressive government in power. Because of their dedicated services People's Alliance Govt came into power last time. We hope they will continue to do so".

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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