"Dinawamu Sri Lanka" to ensure Mahinda's victory
 

by Rohan Mathes

Branch offices will be established islandwide as part of the "Dinawamu Sri Lanka" (Win Sri Lanka) programme, to coordinate all the affairs and functions relating to the forthcoming Presidential Elections, to ensure a convincing victory for the SLFP candidate Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse.

This was stated by Minister Mangala Samaraweera at a press conference at the SLFI yesterday. Also addressing the press conference, Minister Maithripala Sirisena announced that celebrations to mark the 54th anniversary of the SLFP will be held on September 6. The SLFP's 54th anniversary falls on September 2. However, it was postponed to September 6, until President Kumaratunga returns to the island.

The coincidence of fielding a Presidential candidate in the calibre of Rajapakse for the Presidential election this year with the 54th Anniversary celebrations would be a significant feature this year, Minister Sirisena said.

Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva referring to a query on the support of the JVP opined that the pro-UNP media is fabricating propaganda against the SLFP to divide the SLFP and the JVP. He said: "We lead people who are against Ranil Wickremasinghe. We lead that front". Minister Samaraweera reiterated that they will ensure a fair and free Presidential Election despite a State of Emergency now in operation and which may continue upto the elections as well.

Minister De Silva clarified that the National Identity Card would not be made mandatory for Presidential Election.

"A survey has shown that there are many who do not possess National Identity cards yet. So it will not come into operation. The Elections Commissioner has to announce this," he added. Minister and Cabinet Spokesman Nimal Siripala De Silva, Minister Maithripals Sirisena, Minister Susil Premajayantha and Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa also participated.