No elections immediately - Healthcare Minister

Nadira Gunatilleke

BADULLA: The present Government is not only an SLFP Government because there are 24 UNP MPs, a number of SLMC MPs and CWC MPs in the Government supporting its development and Peace Process.

They have faith in President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe will not be able to topple this Government, Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said.

Addressing a ceremony after opening a new bus stand built at a cost of Rs. 179 million at Badulla, the Minister said that there would not be a General Elections before 2010 and that the Government has no intention of wasting billions of public money.

"This Government has a very clear and strong majority in the Parliament and the crossing of two MPs will do no damage to the Government.

Therefore, there will be no elections till 2010," he said. He also said that the Government would bring about a political solution to the ethnic problem addressing all issues faced by the Tamil community and not the problems of the LTTE. He assured that the Government would take all steps to defeat the LTTE before bringing in a political solution.

"Sri Lanka is now facing the most ruthless terrorist group.

England imposed a travel advisory against Sri Lanka during bomb blasts. But today Australia has imposed a travel advisory against England turning the history back.

Tourists visit Sri Lanka despite of travel advisories," he said.