UPFA largest Alliance - Minister

Ishara Mudugamuwa

UPFA is the largest political alliance in Sri Lanka. There are 18 political parties that formally signed the memorandum of understanding and the other 14 parties support it. So in practical terms there are 32 political parties in the UPFA representing all ethnic groups . But the newly formed UNP- led common alliance, the UNF has four main parties and 16 others, Mass Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardane told a press conference at the Media Ministry yesterday.

He said: “The UPFA has no challenge with this new political alliance led by the UNP. In the near future, we can see very vital political changes in the country. One main political party which signed the memorandum of understanding of the UNF has agreed to support President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the next presidential election.”

He said: “Some people were trying to create problems and change the goodwill of the public towards the Government.”

“All Government employees and a majority of others always support the UPFA.

“Though the Government had to spend a lot of funds on the war we never neglected to provide the necessities of the people. President Rajapaksa always pays his attention to people’s needs and provide relief measures. The fertilizer subsidy was given to farmers when they were in difficulty.

“Efforts were also made to solve Government employees’ problems,” the Minister said.

“Some people say the Government spend a huge amount of money for the President’s security.

Everyone should understand that he is the leader of the country and he had to be given security as well as any other person who may become the President.

He has no freedom to travel without security in his own country as his life is at risk due to the situation the country had experienced with terrorism for over three decades,” the Minister said.