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| Tuesday, 9 March 2004 |
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Politics | |
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| 2001 defeat a blessing - Jevan Kumaratunga The defeat faced by the People's Alliance Government in 2001 has become a blessing today where the PA and the JVP has reached a middle path by forming the Freedom Alliance with the sole intention of rebuilding the country, Moratuwa SLFP Chief Organiser and former PA Parliamentarian Jeevan Kumaratunga told the Daily News. He said the formation of the Freedom Alliance will definitely turn the country's future towards prosperity. In addition the Alliance also possess a clear leadership. Therefore the SLFP-JVP combination is a great success achieved by the country's people. "During the year 2001 General Election, the PA had to face an electoral defeat. The people rejected that PA Government by giving power to the UNP. However, people have clearly understood that the UNP Government has deceived them during the past two years by dragging the country into a precipice," he added. The defeat faced by the PA in 2001 has turned into a blessing today and the people are ready to correct the error made in year 2001. Kumaratunga said some people firmly believed that the SLFP and the JVP cannot join hands with each other due to their divergent opinions. However, the SLFP and the JVP have successfully united and come to a middle path by refuting all these statements. At present both parties do not have opposing views. We firmly believe that both parties can act with unity and dedication in this alliance. Refuting the allegations made by the UNP that problems has arisen in the peace process due to take over of certain Ministries by the President, he said all these are baseless allegations made by the UNP. "If the UNP had honest intention for a genuine peace, they should not make such allegations. The UNF Government is not genuinely dedicated for peace. In order to bring peace, there is no need to keep these Ministries under the purview of the Government." When late Vijaya Kumaratunga went to North, he was not even a leader of Pradeshiya Sabha. President Chandrika Kumaratunga accompanied him. Later, he formed a separate political party entirely dedicated to peace. Late Kumaratunga discussed with the LTTE and also with the India with the intention of bringing a lasting solution to the ethnic problem. This was for genuine peace. "If the UNP has honest intentions, there is no need for making such baseless allegations. But I will categorically state that the Freedom Alliance has a honest intention to bring lasting peace to the country." Under the Freedom Alliance, a more formal and transparent peace process will be commenced. However, this will not be a false process like the one implemented by the UNP to betray the Southern people. Both the Freedom Alliance and the President has a clear vision and honest intention for peace. At present, the UNF Government is cutting down subsidies and welfare facilities given to the poor to safeguard the business racketeers. A welfare programme should also be operated in connection with the growth of the private sector. The Alliance will act based on this policy. Therefore we will be able to conduct the welfare activities of the people without any curtailment. He said during the past two years, youth unrest rapidly increased leading to a high unemployment rate. All youth development activities launched during the PA regime have been completely stopped. The Freedom Alliance Government to be formed shortly will recommence all these youth development activities providing immediate solutions to minimise youth unrest. He said the Freedom Alliance will jointly act to repel the political violence by giving an example to all political parties. The Alliance will show the people's power against political parties engaged in various acts of violence and political murders. |
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