People's democratic rights should not be misused ? PM

by Rohan Mathes

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse urges politicians not to misuse the democratic rights of the people for narrow political gains.

Addressing the rally following the opening of a road network and the Mahabodhi Bridge at Hiniduma in the Galle electorate on Saturday, the Premier pointed out that although in the past, those belonging to a specific aristocratic class held onto power, and by resorting to various undignified means deprived another from a normal family that chance, this system would not work today.

Although the western countries are unduly influencing us now as they did in the past and destroyed our culture, we must resist it like the Patriot Anagarika Dharmapala, who was exemplary in his fight against alien influences.

We ought not to be perturbed by Ranil Wickremesinghe's actions in influencing a Presidential election here, through the 'White' people. We are not prepared to hold a Presidential election merely for an individual's whims and fancies and 'road walks'. We engaged in road walks to protect the basic human rights of the masses. But today Ranil Wickremesinghe is engaged in 'road walks' in a manner which defiles the morals of humanity, by consuming alcohol, Rajapakse noted.

He argued that anyone can engage in picketing, 'road walks' and express ones views in the media. However, mud-slinging and character defamation has become rampant in today's media and the people themselves should judge its justifiability.

They slung mud at Madam Bandaranaike and President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga. Nevertheless she was not swayed as she was a tower of strength and her vision was a source of inspiration to us all.

Premier Rajapakse refuted the concept that only a few from Colombo could direct and control the country's development as assumed by Ranil Wickremesinghe's regime. "There are Small and Medium-scale Entrepreneurs in the rural areas as well now. As leaders, we should encourage them and bring them forward. For this, we should develop the rural infrastructural facilities such as roads, and improve their education standards", he added.