Mahinda signs agreement with JVP

by Rohan Mathes and Chamikara Weerasinghe

SLFP Presidential candidate Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse and the JVP yesterday signed an agreement at Temple Trees for the forthcoming Presidential Election.

Prime Minister Rajapakse said he signed the MoU with the JVP for the sake of peace and prosperity of the country. He reassured that the agreement would not lead to war as suggested by some.

"We are ready to unite all the progressive forces and parties. All patriots are welcome to join our camp.

This is an agreement which ushers in peace and prosperity. I seek to make this land a place where all ethnic communities could live in peace sans fear and suspicion," he said.

Rajapakse urged all those contesting him at the elections too, to join him after his victory, to build a prosperous and peaceful Sri Lanka. JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe said that they, like the President and the Prime Minister, strongly dislike and oppose war. Amarasinghe said this agreement is a victory for all.

"Our late leader Rohana Wijeweera has taught us a lesson that the party has to serve the people. We strongly despise the notion that one has to make false promises in our manifestos to win elections."