Let us march towards a new goal, says Premier

The time has dawned to start a new journey, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse said.

"We are capable of providing a conducive atmosphere, through negotiations for all communities to live in peace and harmony and the time has dawned for us to start a new journey, hand in hand towards prosperity, outmanoeuvering all undesirable elements," the Prime Minister told a public rally in Matugama on Sunday.

Rajapakse said during the past, under the previous regime when the youth clamoured for job opportunities, instead of acceding to their request, they were sent to torture houses.

"We are determined to end that era. The trauma experienced by the younger generation is still lingering in their minds. Let us take a different turn and ensure social, economic and political stability in this country," the Prime Minister said.

He told the crowd that he would find solutions to the scarcity of water as well as to the flood menace in the district.

The Prime Minister said he was a country lad born amidst a tract of paddy fields in Giriwapaththuwa and understood the masses' problems. He said he would do his best to uplift the rural economy.