Vote for UPFA is vote for motherland - President

ROHAN MATHES reporting from Naula

President Mahinda Rajapaksa told the people of the Matale District that a vote for the Betel Leaf of the UPFA, was a definite victory for the motherland and an epitome to signify to the entire world that the nation has clearly endorsed the policies and the path of his Government.

Presiding at the rally at the Peoples Playground at Naula yesterday, in support of the UPFA candidates contesting the forthcoming Central Provincial Council elections, due to be held on February 14, on the theme Rata Surakina-Satana Rakimu (Lets protect the battle which protects the country), President Rajapaksa asserted that casting their vote for the Betel Leaf symbol, ensuring a landslide victory to the UPFA, was the need of the hour.

We believe that at this watershed moment when our motherland is on the brink of defeating and eradicating terrorism in toto, the people of Matale will endorse the clear-cut policies of the Government, making it their bounden duty and their responsibility towards their motherland, the President reiterated.

He opined that since commencing the Marvil Aru humanitarian assistance two and a half years ago, his government never reverted from the resolve to liberate the country from the cruel grip of terrorism. They had never ever used the war as a Beggars Sore and a lame excuse for disrupting or stifling the countrys mega development projects. Very soon, the terrorists who are now entrapped and confined to a very small area, will be thrown to the sea.

So rejoice and be exceedingly glad as the day to fly the Lion Flag is not too far away.

You could also get ready to pay your highest tributes to our war heroes and felicitate them in their success and achievements soon, President Rajapaksa said.

Referring to the joining of around 6,000 UNPers of the Central Province, to the UPFA last Saturday and the joining of a JVP stalwart and PC member of Matale, at the rally yesterday, President Rajapaksa noted that all this indicated a convincing victory to the UPFA. President Rajapaksa went on to say that his Government was fully aware of the shortcomings and the drawbacks in the villages, and assured the people that they will be looked into, very soon.

He was of the view that mega Development projects such as the Moragahakanda, would be of immense benefit to the people of Matale. Cast your three preferential votes to three members of the UPFA, to ensure the development of your village and your country, and create an environment where all communities could live in harmony sans fear or suspicion, President Rajapaksa added. Ministers Maithreepala Sirisena, John Seneviratne, A.L.M. Athaulla, Champika Ranawaka, Hemakumara Nanayakkara, Rohana Dissanayake and NFF leader Wimal Weerawansa also expressed their sentiments in favour of the UPFA candidates. This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.