Mahinda appeals progressive forces to unite and defeat UNP

THIHAGODA group correspondent

DURABLE peace and good discipline would be vital for sustainable development and prosperity in a country.

The hard endeavour of the present government would be to achieve these aims. No jungle law can be allowed to reign in the country, said Prime Minister and Presidential candidate Mahinda Rajapakse.

He made these comments at a meeting held at Matara recently. Sri Lanka Freedom Party members of Matara organised the meeting.

A congenial atmosphere has to be created in the country where people of all ethnic groups and races can live without fear and suspicions. Former UNP regime had done nothing to address burning problems in Sri Lanka.

No job was given to anybody during the two year period of their administration. They violated human rights and harassed supporters of political parties who were against them.

The sole motive of UNP leaders was to destabilise the country. They weakened the state sector and profitable public ventures were sold to their henchmen for a song, he stated.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse made a fervent request to all progressive political parties in the country to join hands with him at the forthcoming Presidential election to defeat UNP.

Minister of Ports, Aviation and Deputy Minister of Education Mangala Samaraweera addressing said that provision of jobs to over 40,000 unemployed graduates was a significant achievement of the UPFA administration. Every effort would be made for the construction of houses for tsunami displaced families in the district.

Construction of permanent houses for these families is in progress at the moment, he said.

Many a progressive and left wing political parties in the country has already expressed the willingness to support Premier Mahinda Rajapakse at the forthcoming Presidential election, Minister Samaraweera added.

Ministers Maithripala Sirisena and Mahinda Yapa Abeywardane also addressed the rally.