Minister Muralidaran making first public speech in South says:

President only leader who can usher prosperity

Mahinda P. Liyanage Galle Central Special Corr.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa is the greatest Sri Lankan leader of this century. He could recreate a united and peaceful country by defeating the ruthless terrorism which straddled several decades. In the same manner he won the battle against terrorism, President Mahinda Rajapaksa would definitely win the battle against poverty in the country.

He is the only leader who can usher prosperity once again in Sri Lanka, said Minister of Constitutional Reforms and National Integration Vinayagamoorthy Muralidaran at Ahangama, Galle making his first ever public speech in Sinhala.

The Minister was the chief guest at the opening ceremony of a community trade centre at Ahangama yesterday (30) on the invitation of SLFP Chief Organizer for Habaraduwa electorate Parliamentarian Chandima Weerakkodi. The new community trade centre was a Rs. 12 million project by the Habaraduwa Pradeshiya Sabha.

“The people of the South can be happy and proud over the fact that the President is also a leader born and bred in the South. I like the people of the South very much and love to live with them in harmony and in fraternity. Unity and harmony is essential for the development of the country, he added.

The Minister continuing said, “We have by now successfully ended the war against terrorism. We should now join hands to rebuild Sri Lanka and bring prosperity to the country. For this purpose all Sri Lankans should extend support to the President.

“As the Minister of National Integration I have already launched a massive program to bridge the language barrier between all Sri Lankans.

“Today I could come to the South without any fear owing to the victorious effort of President Mahinda Rajapaksa in ending terrorism. In this arduous task he faced numerous pressures from various foreign forces. Nevertheless he stood firmly against terrorism. No force home or abroad could stop him.

“On this occasion I would like to offer my gratitude and honour also to our Armed Forces who fought boldly and made many sacrifices to defend the country from terrorism. At present people of the South are touring the North and the East.

“We are delighted to see them joyfully enjoying on the Pasikuda beach. Following the reconstruction of railway lines, roadways and other infrastructure facilities in the North and East all would be able to enjoy free movement from North and South.

“I have learnt about the South as a province which has produced great heroes and remarkable leaders to the country since ancient times.

“Today I could practically experience the greatness of Southerners which I had learnt from history records. We could get this opportunity due to the correct and firm leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

“I believe that it is the bounden responsibility and obligations of all Southerners to ensure a resounding victory for the UPFA at the forthcoming Southern Provincial Council election and thereby further strengthen the President’s hand to carry out his future plans.”