Opposition cries foul - Minister

At a time when the Government is engaged in various development activities aimed at providing relief to the innocent Tamils who were battered by the three decade long terrorism unleashed by Prabakaran, certain opposition elements are crying foul over these people's unfortunate situation under the pretext of inquiring into their well-being. Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Minister Dinesh Goonawardena said, at a meeting held at Maharagama recently.

The entire world knows Tamils were caught up in the clutches of the cruel Prabakaran for over three decades. These people prayed before Gods every minute for their liberation from this ruthless terrorist. This dream was realised by the government under President Mahinda Rajapaksa and ably supported by our valiant forces. The victory should be written in golden letters, the Minister said.

In the Southern Provincial Council Election, UPFA secured 68 percent while the UNP managed to get just 30 percent and the JVP a mere six percent. This shows the UNP has been badly shattered. However the UNP claims the government has suffered a set back. This baseless claim comes out of this warped mentality affected by their continuous defeat, he said.

Opposition parties have their own party leaders. But they fight shy of declaring their candidate for the Presidential Election. This shows that whoever they put forward, that person will definitely lose at the Presidential Election, Minister said.

There are moves by certain elements to destabilise the country by hatching up foreign and local based conspiracies. We will never allow such things to succeed.

Even countries like India and China will support us in such situations. We have a good foreign policy based on non-aligned principles. We will never allow the country to be betrayed, Minister Goonewardana said.

The country will be rebuilt based on national economy, national industry and national agriculture, he said.