Govt will endure conspiracies and become stronger - Minister Maithripala Sirisena

Rohan MATHES in Kegalle

KEGALLE: The Government will go ahead with its development programmes undaunted by a number of conspiracies afoot to topple it and become stronger, Minister Maithripala Sirisena said yesterday. Minister Sirisena was addressing a public rally in Kegalle, attended by President Mahinda Rajapaksa and senior ministers.

“We are not at all perturbed by these developments. Many elements have attempted to topple SLFP-led Governments in the past, but all such attempts were defeated. We will only accept the verdict of the people, not the devious machinations of some power hungry persons,” Sirisena said.

He stressed that there would be no General Election until 2010. There was no reason to hold an election at this juncture as the Government enjoyed a comfortable majority in the House as well as widespread public support.

“People have given us a mandate to rule until 2010. We will fulfil their aspirations,” he added.

He said the Government has launched an agricultural development drive to turn Lanka once more into a prosperous agricultural nation and achieve self-sufficiency in food.

A colossal sum of money is used for importing fruits and vegetables many of which can be grown locally. Such a step will mean better times for the farmer and cheaper prices for the consumer.

“There must be a country left for all of us to do politics. The Government is dedicated to solve the ethnic conflict. That is why 17 front-line UNPers decided to join hands with President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Government,” said Minister Mano Wijeratna.

“We will continue to support President Rajapaksa. We will not waver in our commitment,” said the Minister, adding that the Government has succeeded in liberating the East.

“Although Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe pledged to establish a National Government in the famous Bellanwila declaration, he was not keen to do so. Now many UNPers have joined the Government,” Minister Rajitha Senaratne said.

He said the Government was mindful of the rising cost of living. It has abolished taxes on 10 essential items, incurring a huge loss of revenue, to provide relief to the people. Infant milk powder is subsidised. The salaries of Government servants have been increased substantially.

“This Government has not sold any State-owned enterprises. This contrasts sharply with the UNP’s record in this regard,” he added. Instead, the Government aims to develop State enterprises to be on par with private sector establishments.