Eastern election will be an example to rest of country - President

Rohan Mathes

President Mahinda Rajapaksa asserts that the Eastern polls would prove to be a peaceful election, and a shining example to be emulated by the rest of the country.

President Rajapaksa made this assertion when he addressed a meeting of Government representatives at all levels, in the Plantation industry, to discuss on the developments and progress of the industry, at Temple Trees on Saturday.

"All political parties in the East, are engaged in their political practices in a peaceful and exemplary manner in an environment free of violence or intimidation. There is no truth whatsoever in the unfounded allegations made in Colombo by certain factions with vested interests, to the effect that there is violence in the East. All political parties, inclusive of the TMVP are engaged in their political activities, in a free and fair environment," he said.

He pointed out that such baseless rhetoric is propagated by the Opposition in the wake and knowledge of their certain defeat at the pending Eastern elections, in their desperation.

He further pointed out that his Government has done everything to ensure the democratic rights and the freedom of the Eastern polity and affirmed that he will never ever permit them to be under the cruel grip of Prabhakaran's terrorism. They will follow suit in the North too. He charged that although some leaders believed and proclaimed that the sole solution to the crisis was to offer a part of our motherland to Prabhakaran, he firmly believed that the Easterners were profoundly opposed to the hand-over of the East to Prabhakaran again.

The Supreme Court had meted out a clear verdict on the non-merger of the North with the East. The pending elections would be a further consolidation of this verdict. "Furthermore, we could not betray our motherland. We are indebted to our country of birth. The people have entrusted to me, to safeguard and protect our land."

President Rajapaksa opined that with the "Api Wawamu, Rata Nagamu" national programme to uplift and encourage indigenous production, there has been a renaissance in the agriculture sector. "The era in which the farming community took poison is no more. They have been elevated to their due place now," he added.

He noted that despite a global food shortage which has reached a crisis level, Sri Lanka has had the ability to withstand the threats and keep her head up, due to the implementation of prudent national economic policies, such as the cultivation of all non-cultivated lands available in the country.

He further noted that all citizens hold the prime responsibility of being cautious and vigilant of their environment within their institutions of work and elsewhere.

This is a must for the safety and well-being of the whole nation. "We must perform our duties, like the gallant Armed Forces who perform theirs, facing all obstacles on their way and even by making the supreme sacrifice of their lives. Do not seek petty political gains only. Serve your country with understanding, honour and dignity," President Rajapaksa added.

Plantations Industries Minister D.M. Jayarathna and President's Secretary Lalith Weeratunga also expressed their views.