SLFP 54th anniversary rally today

The SLFP will hold a grand rally at the Race course grounds today themed Nonawathie Peratama to celebrate its 54th anniversary which fell on September 2.

The rally, a show of strength by the SLFP ahead of crucial Presidential Elections, will be presided over by President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.

Presidential Candidate Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse, Prime Ministerial nominee Anura Bandaranaike, Party General Secretary Maithripala Sirisena and Treasurer Minister Mangala Samaraweera will address the rally which will commence at 3.00 p.m. at the Race Course Grounds.

Power and Energy Minister Susil Premajayantha said the event will officially mark the start of the SLFP election campaign.

SLFP Headquarters Executive Director Dr. Sisil Bandara Senaratne said the event was very significant for the party as they were nearing another presidential election.

He said the rally's opening will be a procession represented by the Pancha Maha Balawegaya, starting from campbell Park at 1.30 pm. The procession will reach the Race Course via Maradana - Deans Road- Eye Hospital Junction- Lipton Roundabout - Alexandra Mawatha - Independent Mawatha - SLFI.

Along with floats depicting the ongoing development drive of the UPFA Government, it will consist of mini parades by the SLFP youth federation, Women's, Teacher's, Bhikku's, Professional's, Farmers and Fisher Folk organisations, etc.

Dr. Senaratne said they have invited all the coalition parties of the People's Alliance and others like the JVP and the CWC.