Anura to address Presidential campaign rallies

Foreign Affairs and Tourism Minister Anura Bandaranaike said yesterday that he will participate in all rallies attended by the President and would address Presidential campaign meetings in the Gampaha District.

He said the President will release the Presidential Elections Manifesto underlining the SLFP policies within the next two or three days.

Minister Bandaranaike was speaking to journalists following his meeting yesterday with Japanese Ambassador Akio Suda upon arrival after attending the UN Summit.

Minister Bandaranaike said their discussions centred on the future of the peace process and Sri Lanka's stand in this regard.

Bandaranaike observed that the LTTE had right along violated the Ceasefire Agreement(around 300 times) and by its assassination of Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar the group had, on the one hand declared war.

He saw no possibility of peace talks resuming until the conclusion of the Presidential election. To a question by journalists Bandaranaike said the Government appreciated the decision made by the EU to impose a travel ban on the LTTE adding that the matter also came up for attention during the UN sessions.

Bandaranaike maintained that should the LTTE go against the EU it would amount to declaration of war on not just the EU but against the entire International community. Replying journalists to questions raised on the Presidential elections Bandaranaike said he would be attending all rallies held under the patronage of the President in connection with the Presidential election campaign.

In addition he would participate in all rallies held in the Gampaha District."I would be acting in accordance with the SLFP stand".Asked how he will be contributing to Premier Rajapakse's victory,Bandaranaike said he would be addressing rallies and helping in the cause.

He said he had made several sacrifices on behalf of the SLFP and would make any sacrifice in the future too to prevent the break up of the party.