President created a national reawakening

M.A.R. Manukulasooriya Hiriyala group correspondent

President Mahinda Rajapaksa with his profound wisdom was triumphant in defeating LTTE terrorism forever from Sri Lanka. It is the sole intention of every citizen to see such a bold, farsighted patriot taking the leadership in the country again, said Nation Building Minister and Hiriyala Chief SLFP Organizer Salinda Dissanayake. The Minister made these observations at a special meeting at a private hotel at Ibbagammuwa to make the SLFP and UPFA activists aware of the coming Presidential election.

The Minister said that the President did not give in to international pressure and displayed true leadership qualities.

This heroic son of Ruhuna has reviewed our glorious history. The President and war-heroes even risking their lives endeavoured to defeat the LTTE not for any personal gain but for the country to emerge independence, united and enthusiastic and also free of violence.

The UNP and the JVP have got together and try to defeat the President through a common candidate.

Under whichever label such candidate comes forward, he may not be able to defeat the President who was able to overcome more serious odds and win two Provincial Council elections recently. Many UNPers have switched allegiance to the UPFA Government since they are disenchanted with the UNP policies and its leadership."

Minister Dissanayake said the President was an astute leader who created a national reawakening by leading the country towards a set goal under his Mahinda Chinthana policy framework. As a result, the country had now once again gained full freedom after a lapse of 30 years by ending a cruel and protracted war.

The four years under the President's tenure can be described as a fruitful period of planned growth. Our grateful people will definitely cast their vote for our President" he added.

Ranaviru Herath, Provincial Councillor (NWP), M.B. Herath, a retired Principal and several others spoke.