UNP trying to avoid elections - Minister Anura Yapa

COLOMBO: The recent Supreme Court Judgement clearly proved that the decision taken by the two Governors of the North Central and Sabaragamuwa Provincial Councils to dissolve the two Councils was a just and fair decision in keeping with the provisions of the Constitution, Mass Media and Information Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said.

Minister Yapa said it also proved the cowardice of the UNP which tried to evade an election by going to Courts against the decision while at the same time engaging in false campaigns clamouring for elections.

The Minister in a communique issued yesterday said the UNP had been visiting polas (village fairs) distributing leaflets and conducting cart processions demanding elections. But when an opportunity is given to go before the people at an election it was trying to seek refuge in Courts fearing to face the election.

He said the Government’s priority was to stabilise democracy in the country. The Government proved it by conducting the Eastern Provincial Council elections. The majority of the people in the East by defeating the UNPs impure coalition and establishing a UPFA controlled Provincial Council proved the Government’s vision correct.

“All efforts made by the UNP to avoid the Eastern Provincial Council election suffered an ignominious defeat. The UNP efforts to prevent the NCP and Sabaragamuwa elections proved its political bankruptcy.

This bankruptcy is clearly visible in the political comedy now played by the UNP begging for people’s votes in these two provinces by putting forward tuition masters and retired Army and Police officers as its candidates,” the Minister added.

The people friendly programme of work carried out by the President to uplift the country while protecting it has gained immense popularity. The people of Sabaragamuwa and the Rajarata will prove it to the rest of the country and the whole world at the forthcoming Provincial Council elections, the communique said.