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| Wednesday, 10 March 2004 |
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| We will ensure a prosperous future for all - PM by Daya Perera, Galle District Special Cor. D. Siriwardena and Nagoda Group Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has asked the Freedom Alliance to reveal how it would enter into peace talks in a transparent manner as promised to the people. "The alliance is expressing contradictory views on the peace process. The SLFP is saying that it would devolve power to the provinces while the JVP says that it would only settle for decentralisation at village level," Premier said addressing election rallies in Hakmana, Deniyaya and Hiniduma on Sunday. The Premier explained the measures taken by his Government to bring peace to the country during the last two years. " We signed a ceasefire agreement with the LTTE to create an atmosphere for a political settlement. We were able to discuss with the LTTE a federal system within a united Sri Lanka. They gave their proposals to us.But the peace process suffered a severe blow after the President took over three Ministries," he added. He also noted that it was President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga who first received a mandate in 1994 to initiate negotiations and find a settlement to the ethnic crisis in the country." But President Kumaratunga's negotiations with the LTTE collapsed as there was no correct vision. "During the last two years, we were able to rebuild the country's devastated economy," he added. The Premier recalled the devastation caused by the last year's floods in the Deniyaya area." The devastation was estimated in the region of billions of rupees. But we were able to pay compensation and rebuild those affected areas as the country's economy was in good shape." He lamented that the President dissolved Parliament at a time when the Government and LTTE were preparing to fix dates for initiating a dialogue to agree on a political solution. " This election is vital for the peace process and the country's future. Earlier, the Premier called on the people to give a strong mandate to the UNF to form a stable Government and improve the economy." Peace is necessary to improve the economy." The Premier emphasised that no other party can continue this peace process. It is only the UNF which has the experience, ability and correct vision to pursue this peace process and help bring peace to this war-torn country, the Premier noted. "If you want peace and prosperity, vote for the UNF to form a stable Government. We will improve the economy and ensure a prosperous future for all of you, Premier Wickremesinghe added. |
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