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I don't want to earn money, my ambition is to expand the social service activities which I have been rendering for nearly 35 years to Matara people silently, Matara district PA candidate and Devinuwara SLFP organiser Mrs. Mallika de Mel said.

Addressing several election meetings in the Matara district, she said:

Parliament is a superior institution. We should send honest, intelligent and merciful persons to Parliament and who would not stave for money. I have no need to earn money but, my ambition is to expand the social service activities, which I have rendered for nearly 35 years silently.

Matara District leader of the PA candidates group, Minister for Housing, Construction, Urban Development and Public Utilities, Mangala Samaraweera, Minister of Trade, Industrial Development and Rural Industries Ronnie de Mel and Members of Pradeshiya Sabha and Provincial Council were also present.

Mallika de Mel further said: "I didn't think to be a Member of Parliament even in a dream. I came forward to contest in this election with the request of the President and the people in the areas, including Matara, Devinuwara and Dikwella, because Mr. Mahinda Wijesekera crossed over to the opposition. My father represented Parliament until his death. My husband Mr. Ronnie de Mel dedicated his service for 35 years to the country as a politician. I was engaged in social service activities silently. I always helped him. I won't come to Parliament with the intention of earning money. I have firm intention to implement a practical process to solve problems and issues existing among helpless people in Ruhuna, subsequent to be a Parliamentarian.

"I will dedicate myself to fulfil the aspirations of the people, living in the areas in between point Dondra and Sinharaja Adaviya.

I like to mention that, my other effort is to solve unemployment problem of educated and intelligent job seeking youth in Matara District. I am the only woman who is contesting in this election, to bring Ruhunu women's voice to the Parliament.

"I should say, there is no other person who served Ruhuna than my husband as a Minister. He was the creator of institutions like Ruhunu University, Karapitiya Hospital, Kamburupitiya IT Centre, Koggala Free Trade Zone and Ruhunu Broadcasting Corporation, and the iniatiator of Polwatu Ganga, Kirama Oya, Nilwala, Gin Gana Schemes as well. Mr. Ronnie de Mel developed schools in the area, provided power supply under ADB loan scheme to remote villages, supplied drinking water and also provided buildings, playgrounds, libraries, laboratories, fine arts and computer units to the schools. Therefore, I request you to give me the opportunity for the completion of that programme launching its second stage.

"Now PA is clean because of the departure of group of thieves from the party.

If we give the power to UNP, LTTE representatives will enter Parliament. To crack down this conspiracy, she requested to give the power to PA.

Mallika de Mel opened a number of branch offices in several electorates on this day.

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