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The Second term

President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the inaugural UPFA election rally at Anuradhapura has outlined three objectives to be attained during his second term in office for which he is seeking a mandate now.

The objectives are development, a morally rich society and eradication of corruption and waste. It is hoped that his manifesto that would be offered soon would elaborate on how he proposes to achieve these objectives. We wish here only to underline the significance and relevance of these objectives to the well-being of our people.

As it was reported over the weekend Sri Lanka achieved a growth rate of 4.2 percent in the third quarter of this year. This is commendable in the wake of the global financial crisis and the contraction in the world economy. Even developed countries are recording negative growth. Sri Lanka could achieve it because of the prudent economic management and wise policies followed. Had the government abandoned development citing the war as an excuse we would have been really in the doldrums today.

The country needs an independent vision of development, one that is not subservient to the interests of the imperialist powers. The economic policy that prevailed hitherto was neo-liberalism. It has been proved to be a failure today. Further, it has intensified social disparities and hence social contradictions. Now developing countries are seeking new ways of development. They seek to promote regional integration and south-south cooperation.

President Rajapaksa’s administration has refused to accept the neo-liberal prescriptions and is following an independent line giving pride of place to indigenous agriculture and industry. The GDP has exceeded US $ 2000 per annum. The incidence of poverty has been reduced drastically though the global financial crisis poses a threat to living standards. Sri Lanka is well ahead in fulfilling its Millennium development goals.

All this is because development activities were undertaken despite the war. Mega power and irrigation projects are under way. Five ports and an international airport are under construction. Vast strides have been recorded in road development and in the health sector, to name a few. An energetic program is under way to utilize ICT for development. Internet and communication facilities have grown up phenomenally.

Looking back on what has been achieved during the past four years we could conclude with optimism that a second term of Rajapaksa Presidency would see development at a much more rapid rate. This is especially so in view of the groundwork carried out during the first term.

No development would be complete without a morally sound society. Physical development without sound morals would soon erode that development. Already much has been done in arresting the spread of drugs, crime and various forms of anti-social behaviour. The Mathata Thitha program and the assault on the criminal underworld have succeeded in minimizing the dangers from alcohol, drug abuse and crime.

Now that the war has ended the task before the country is ensuring lasting peace. Hence, in the period ahead we have to promote harmony and unity between communities, ending discrimination on whatever grounds and ensure equity and justice.

This would require institutional arrangements as well as legal, legislative and executive action. A stable government with a firm vision alone could ensure this. This could be achieved in the present context only by electing President Rajapaksa for a second term. It is because no other candidate has the vision or the unity of purpose as they are backed by diverse forces with differing visions.

In establishing a morally sound society it is imperative to eliminate corruption. In order to achieve a developed society it is equally imperative to end wastage. Hence, the third objective of President Mahinda Rajapaksa complements his other two objectives. If he is to achieve the first two objectives, he has of necessity to pursue the third objective in earnest.

Fake promise to abolish Executive Presidency

I stand for the abolition of Executive Presidency and for the replacement of the present Constitution with a more democratic Constitution that is embedded with substantial checks and balances on legislative and executive power and with Constitutional provision for power sharing.

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Mother Lanka cries out for an end to braggadocio

Last night history was referenced in a conversation. I was told about ten individuals, namely, Nandimitra, Suranimala, Mahasona, Gotaimbara, Theraputthabhaya, Velusumana, Khanjadeva, Pussadeva, Barana and Labhiyavasabha. We are told that these were the Dasa maha yodayo, men of exceptional strength and skills, who helped King Dutugemunu defeat the usurper Elara.

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Galle promises boom with economic development

Galle port development project is one of the main constructions currently going on in the Galle town. The government plans to develop the Galle Harbour as a tourist harbour. The port will be constructed to berth 40 craft with sails to attract international sailing enthusiasts. The estimated cost of the Galle Port Development Project is US dollar 170 million. The Japanese Government has granted US$ 135 million to develop the Galle port as a regional port. The Port’s construction work which commenced in December 2008 is scheduled to be completed by mid 2012.

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