Estate workers support President

The estate workers of Uva province pledged their cooperation to ensure the victory of President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the forthcoming Presidential election.

A meeting on Presidential election was held at the Simon Peiris Commemoration Hall Badulla, Yesterday Healthcare and Nutrition Minister and SLFP Chief Organizer in the Badulla District Nimal Siripala de Silva participated as a chief guest. Health Deputy Minister Vadivel Suresh and other provincial leaders also participated.

Over 2000 representatives of estate workers attended this meeting. After the achieving of independence, any other government who ruled the country had not looked after the estate workers. They always thought about their votes.

Most of the so called Tamil leaders sold their votes for their comfort. Under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the government took over the estate workers ownership. The government has launched development programs upgrading the lives of estate workers. About 100 Estate hospitals were taken over by the government and developed, the people said.

About 3,500 youths are recruited as teachers in estate schools. The road system and infrastructure facilities, even sanitary facilities have been developed during the last 03 years.

"We couldn't support President Mahinda Rajapaksa in the last Presidential Election. Most of UNP leaders cheated us. We are concerned about that."

Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, said "Today the people are living in the country without fear or hesitation. Majority of Tamil leaders and Muslim leaders have come forward to support the President.