SLFP a re-organised party - Dullas

A. W. Gunawardhana Matara Central correspondent

In the aftermath of tsunami disaster many countries came forward to help us on the request of the Government, said Transport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma.

He said new hospitals, schools, and housing projects and equipment required for such projects were provided by those countries and several Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs). Public markets and libraries were also provided by them. Thus development programmes executed within the district of Matara have resulted due to collective effort.

The Minister said even the new bridge at Medagoda, Matara is one such project, no single individual could claim credit for all such gigantic projects.

Members of the SLFP organisations in the Matara electorate were present.

The conference was organised by Matara Mayor and new SLFP organiser for Matara electoral division S. M. W. Upul Nishantha. The meeting was held at the old Holland market building hall at Nupe, Matara.

Minister Alahapperuma said, I am amazed at the large crowd present here. That shows the strength of the SLFP at Matara. Those present indicate that the so-called 'National Council' is no more.

He said, "I was elected to Parliament thrice to represent Matara district. But I was ill-treated, but I never became a traitor to the party. The people of Matara are well aware of that. It is nothing but ingratitude to forget the party that made one a successful politician."

He said it was an earlier practice of the SLFP to get into a shell when an election is won, until the other one is due. President Mahinda Rajapaksa has deviated from that practice to reorganise the party.

Minister of Water Supply and Drainage Mahindananda Amaraweera said, the Govt. will pass the 2008 budget this time with a thumping majority.

After the Budget more UNPers in Parliament will join the Government.

Minister of Cultural Affairs Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana said most SLFP supporters cast their preferential votes to candidates unknown to them at the last Parliamentary election. The Government lost the strength as a one party. In future it will never happen.

Minister of Construction and Engineering Services Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said, a National Government could resolve several problems in the country. It would be with this aim that the President invited the UNP to join hands with the Government. The Mayor S. M. W. Upul Nishantha, Provincial Council Member Sosindra Hadunge and Matara Municipal Council Member Chathura Karunarathna also spoke.