Minister laments lack of Opposition

General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and Agriculture Development and Agrarian Services Minister Maithripala Sirisena says that it is disappointing that there is no proper Opposition to the United People’s Freedom Alliance in the Western Provincial Council Elections, as the main Opposition United National Party is mired in its internal problems, and that UNP will suffer the most resounding defeat in history.

New office

He was speaking at a recent ceremony to open main operations office of Western Province Zone 2 at No. 46 Sunethra Devi Mawatha, Kohuwala. Zone 2 comprises the electorates of Moratuwa, Ratmalana, Dehiwala, Kotte and Kesbewa.

The Zone 2 Operations Office functions under Export Development and International Trade Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris. Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva Heads the Colombo District.

Minister Sirisena further stated that the brave soldiers, under the bold leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa was about to wipe out terrorism from Sri Lanka. He said “The Opposition is not able to challenge his leadership. The UNP has had some great leaders. It has provided a great service to the country. But under the leadership of Ranil Wickremesinghe, it has become extremely weak. It has lost 18 elections. Some people are agitating for his removal. There are revolts within the party. Some of them are preparing to go to court.

“Blue flags are fluttering where they were not allowed to before. Large numbers of UNPers are joining the Alliance. The main Opposition is fighting to address its own internal problems today. We are disappointed that there is no strong Opposition to compete with us. The UNP will suffer the biggest defeat in history at the coming elections.

Great impetus

“The office that has been opened today will provide a great impetus to the election campaign for the Western Provincial Council. I request you all to vote for the betel leaf and ensure victory for the Alliance”, Minister Sirisena said.

Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva stated that the dividends of the post war period will mostly accrue to the Western Province, especially the Colombo District. He said “The Colombo District is the centre of business”.

Export Development and International Trade Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris said that this office will coordinate the election campaigns of Moratuwa, Ratmalana, Kotte, Kesbewa and Dehiwala. He said “Educated and intelligent people live in these areas. We should address their intellect. There are many factors that we can use.

The city of Colombo has shown an economic growth of 14 percent. This is similar to patterns seen in India and China. We should be happy about this. This was possible due to the far-sighted economic policies implemented by our President. The economies of many countries have suffered. Hundreds of thousands of jobs have been lost. There is no such situation in our county.

“In the past some groups proclaimed that we will not get the GSP+. But we were able to get this tax concession.

The Government is implementing development work at the same time as it is eliminating terrorism. Development activities such as power projects, flyovers, railways of the North and the East, expressways and creation of new jobs are taking place.

The President and the Government has taken steps to ensure that developmental activities take place even while a war is fought. It is certain that the people of the Western Province, realizing this will ensure victory for the Alliance in the coming election”.

United People’s Freedom Alliance Secretary and Education Minister Susil Premjayanth said the UPFA will score a huge victory in this election. While our heroes are winning the North, the President is having to fight local and foreign influences. Their objective is to rescue Prabhakaran, and not the civilians that are detained among the LTTEers.

Enterprise Development, Mass Media and Information Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said that the UNP tried to privatize all the Government institutions while they were in power. Our country would have faced serious problems had they succeeded. We do not still have the economic problems faced by wealthier countries. It is because of the policies of this Government. We want to implement the Mahinda Chintana, eliminate terrorism and create a country where all races can live in freedom. Given the current situation, a large number of votes will be obtained by the Alliance at this election”

Development work

Trade, Marketing Development, Co-operatives and Consumer Services Minister Bandula Gunawardena said that the country has been divided into two groups - those who love the country and those who do not.

He said “Those who love the country are on the President’s side. They help strengthen the President’s hand to eliminate terrorism and create a new Sri Lanka. The other group tries to create obstacles to this.

“We have implemented the ‘Api Wawamu Rata Nagamu’ under Mahinda Chintana. Therefore, we do not have to bring rice from abroad. The price of rice is Rs. 52-60. Gas prices have been reduced by Rs. 800. Prices of milk food and fuel have been reduced. Development work is going on at the same time. Four flyovers will be completed this year. Projects such as airports, thermal power plants and Moragahakanda are being implemented.

Intelligent public

“The results of this election will signify the defeat of Prabhakaran’s terrorism and the creation of a new Sri Lanka. The intelligent public is already waiting to provide such support to the Government”.

Land and Land Development Minister Jeewan Kumaratunga said that members of the UNP who felt for the country are flocking to the Alliance.

He said “We will win this election as we won all other Provincial Council elections. We see and hear that members of the UNP and JVP are joining the Alliance from all areas. We began 2009 as a victorious party. We will also obtain a great victory on April 25”.

Dehiwala-Mt. Lavinia Municipal Council Deputy Mayor Dhanasiri Amaratunga, and Colombo District Provincial Council candidate and leader of the UPFA group Sunil Jayamini also spoke.