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| Wednesday, 31 March 2004 |
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Politics | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
| Come, join me to permanent peace and happiness- President by Ranil Wijayapala "Come, join me to take the country to permanent peace and happiness, said President Chandrika Bandaranaike addressing a mammoth crowd at the final Freedom Alliance rally at Kuliyapitiya yesterday. The President appealed to the people to join hands to rid the country of war, uncertainty and corruption and take the country towards peace and plenty where people will regain their lost rights, free of the unbearably heavy burdens imposed on them by the UNF government. "We do not need to encourage polls rigging or spread of violence to gain victory. We should ensure that our opponents are not attacked. We should ensure our victory in a free and fair manner", the President said. She said that the Freedom Alliance will be deeply committed to create permanent peace in the country after coming to power at the April 2 election. "We will openly invite the LTTE for discussion immediately after coming to power to take forward the peace process and to establish permanent peace in the country", the President said.She charged, though Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was boasting about the success of the peace initiative, he had not taken any step to find a permanent solution to the problem. "The temporary absence of war is not permanent peace", the President added. The President also refuted the UNF's statements that there will be an emergence of a war when the JVP comes to power with the SLFP. "The JVP has clearly stated in writing that they will not resort to war", the President added. President Kumaratunga said unlike the UNF government they will be committed to ensure honourable peace for all ethnic groups after ensuring their rights. "We will discuss with all Tamil groups, Muslims and majority Sinhalese when resolving the North East problem. The final solution will be based on the views of all ethnic groups, the President added. President Kumratunga said the only intention of the UNF is to plunder national assets and public funds. "Law and order in this country has deteriorated and the government has no control over the administration, the President added. She pledged that all the concessions withdrawn from the innocent people including Samurdhi concessions and the fertilizer subsidy will be in place under a Freedom Alliance Government. President Kumaratunga said Rs. 200 billion deprived by the government due to the implementation of the Tax Amnesty Bill will be utilised to provide concessions to people after taking measures to obtain tax money from the leading companies and businessmen.The President said, the Supreme Court has already invalidated this Bill through a ruling as sought by her. She said the UNF government hastily passed this Tax Amnesty Bill at the Cabinet and in the Parliament to favour leading companies and businessmen. |
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