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I will not allow destructive forces to set fire to the country: PM

by Ananda Kannangara

Every possible step to eradicate the unending ethnic conflict without dividing the country has been initiated by our Government and a section of opportunists who always attempt to disrupt any viable political solutions implemented in this regard, will not be allowed to achieve their ends this time, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe addressing the 47th annual convention of the United National Party said on Saturday.

The houseful convention at the Colombo Town Hall included present and former UNP Parliamentarians, party supporters and well-wishers. The day's proceedings began with the observation of two minutes silence in memory of all late party members and supporters who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the party and the country. Mass Communication Minister Imitiaz Bakeer Markar paid tribute to the late Minister Gamini Athukorale in a special message.

If the massive destruction was not caused by that section who fanned the flames of communalism and destroyed the nation's and resources at the time when the Indo-Lanka Peace Package was signed in 1987 we would not have faced this ethnic conflict today and we would have been able to reap the harvest of a long and lasting peace by now, the PM said. "I will never allow any destructive forces to set fire to the country once again as in 1987 and bring down the economy under the cover of the ongoing peace process."

"I have many plans to be implemented for the sake of the masses in this country.

Among them priority will be given to the implementation of the Independent Commissions including the most needed Police Commission and also initiate more development plans to bring down the cost of living and create employment opportunities for our youth".

"The Government and the party can be compared to a moving train and the rail track. But, if the track is in a dilapidated condition the train will not reach its destination.

Therefore not only has the track to be repaired but other accessories like signal lights, bridges and tunnels have to be kept in good condition.

"If our party is strengthened the work of the Government can be carried out smoothly and thus fulfil the aspirations of the masses". The Prime Minister recalled the names of former President J.R. Jayewardene and Minister A.C.S. Hameed. He cherished the political strength and courage of these great leaders, and he would never forget the services rendered to the party by the late Minister Gamini Athukorale.

Mass Communication Minister Imitiaz Bakeer Marker highlighted the valuable service rendered by the late Minister Gamini Athukorale. His democratic policies would always be held in high esteem. He had helped people not only in his electorate at Nivithigala but also in the whole country.

Deputy Leader of the UNP Karu Jayasuriya said the country had to be restructured again since the entire economy has collapsed by the time the UNF Government took over power.

"We have already planted the seed and the harvest can be reaped by the people in the near future".

Minister S.B. Dissanayake said that due to lack of development plans of the previous regime the majority of the people had rallied round Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. This government will be strengthened more in the near future with the winning of the Local Government Elections.

Minister Dissanayake also predicted that the UNF Government will be in power for another 18 years as the PA was now deteriorating. Minister Rauff Hakeem said the UNF has a commendable administration sys tem under the leadership of Ranil Wickremesinghe and Governme nt was now in a position to fulfil the aspirations of the masses.

Minister Arumugam Thondaman said that they will always support a party which is in a position to solve the problems pertaining to the masses.

Karu Jayasuriya was elected as the Leader of the UNP and Malik Samarawickrema was elected as the new Chairman. The General Secretary is Senarath Kapukotuwa while Nimal Weeraratna is the Treasurer.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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