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| Wednesday, 31 March 2004 |
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Politics | |
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| People want peace to build a new country - Prime Minister by Bharatha Malawaraarachchi Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday called on all Sri Lankans to vote for the United National Front to establish peace and build a new country. "People of this country want peace to build a new country. They are not ready to ruin their future and freedom, stressed the Premier addressing the party's final election rally in Central Colombo last evening. "We want peace to build a new country. In order to achieve that goal, I urge you to extend a strong mandate to the UNF," added the Premier. He also expressed confidence that people have great faith in the United National Front Government. The Premier recalled that during the 2001 general election, people gave a clear mandate to the UNF to bring peace and build the country." I accepted that and took steps to rebuild the country by telling the truth to the people." The Premier noted that he was able to halt the country's prolonged war by implementing the peace process." We took steps to improve the country's economy which was in turmoil and move forward towards a program which could generate employment." He stressed there is a necessity to move forward the current peace process in order to establish a permanent peace in the country. He noted that by dissolving the Parliament, the President disrupted the peace process and the development program initiated by the UNF Government." The President and the alliance wanted a sudden election just to gain power. But, the people of this country are not ready to ruin their future and freedom. People of this country want peace and build a new country." Premier Wickremesinghe noted that only the UNF could build a new country and ensure better future for all Sri Lankans. He extended his gratitude to the people for the support and assistance extended to him." You always supported us and gave strength to us and I am thankful to all of you." Premier Wickremesinghe requested all the people to preserve peace during the election period." We conducted the whole election campaign in a peaceful atmosphere with the Police and Election Commissions in place. This election is being held without any political interference. I call upon all of you to protect peace before, during and even after the election." Earlier, the Prime Minister addressing an election rally in Kalutara called on the people to extend their collective support to conclude the incomplete tasks of the UNF. He said the President and the JVP dissolved Parliament at a time when the people were about to reap the benefits of the measures taken by the UNF Government within the last two years. "My Government initiated a comprehensive program to resolve the country's real problems with the assistance of the people within the last two years. We deviated from the politics of promises and we did not deceive the people." he added. Wickremesinghe explained that the Freedom Alliance had failed to present an alternative program to solve the country's problems. Wickremesinghe said his Government introduced the Regaining Sri Lanka program to ensure rapid growth while laying emphasis on improving the country's infrastructure facilities. |
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