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| Monday, 29 March 2004 |
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| Support Freedom Alliance to protect resources - Jayaratne by Chandrani Marasinghe, Pradeep Kumara Dharmaratne and Thilak Ekanayake Freedom Alliance Kandy District leader and Minister of Posts and Telecommunication D. M. Jayaratne called on the people to help form a Freedom Alliance Government to safeguard the country's territorial integrity and protect the natural resources." The United National Front Government is selling all the resources of the country - from natural resources to environment etc. People should assist the Freedom Alliance to prevent those resources being plundered by foreigners, Jayaratne told an election rally near the Central market in Kandy yesterday. Jayaratne stressed "our forefathers protected these natural resources and treasure for over centuries. Unfortunately, the UNF Government has changed laws and regulations enabling any foreigner to make an outright purchase of our land." "While even Sri Lanka was under the imperialists, our forefathers took great efforts to safeguard the motherland and its resources for the next generations. Therefore, it is our abundant duty to protect those resources and the motherland paying respect to our forefathers." he stressed. Minister Jayaratne explained that the UNF Government had been selling the country's property, environment, lands etc to foreigners." These assets and resources had been intact for 56 years since gaining independence. The UNF has changed everything and causing severe damage to our national heritage." He accused that under the UNF regime, the country's culture and morals have been greatly degraded causing a severe crisis in society." Our 2500 year old great culture have been greatly affected under the UNF regime and apart from that, they have damaged the country's worthy natural resources." The Minister praised the timely action taken by President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga to dissolve Parliament." If not for the timely decision by the President to dissolve Parliament, the country would have been divided into two parts by now." Minister Jayaratne also criticised the UNF, for allegedly ruining the country's economy during the last two years." They not only destroyed the economy but heaped the burden on the poor masses. The prices of essential items have sky-rocketed today. People are no longer able to bear the cost of living while the majority of Government Ministers are abusing the state resources and plundering country's assets." He assured that the Freedom Alliance will protect the rights of all communities living in Sri Lanka." We know the value of the people.We will safeguard the rights of all the communities." Kandy District candidate and former MP Dr. Sarath Amunugama said the UNF Government had sold all the resources of the country." They are even trying to sell the Elephant Orphanage at Pinnawala." Amunugama assured that 30,000 jobs will be given to the jobless youth within three months of coming into power." We will fulfil our promises. The UNF cannot do anything for this country. We will win this election. I request the President to close down the airport and port on April 03 to prevent UNF rogues fleeing from the country." |
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