No room for hate politics - President

Asela Kuruluwansa and Indika Polkotuwa

There is no room for hate politics in the country, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing a group of Kandy Municipal Counsellors led by Acting Mayor Suminda Wickremesinghe, who met him at President’s House, Kandy yesterday. People love those politicians that have renounced hate politics and act humanely, he added. The President said that he would not do anything that is harmful even if it could bring more votes.

As an example he explained how he refused to open the road in front of the Dalada Maligawa during election time despite being informed by some that it would bring him 8,000 more votes. Keeping the road closed would get the approval of the people as the Dalada Maligawa is a very sacred place, he said.

The President also discussed with the MMCs the development plans of the Kandy City and the need for improving productivity at work places.

The re-location of the Bogambara Prison in Kundasale would release valuable prime land in the city for development, the President observed. He requested the authorities to continue with the traffic arrangements made for the perahera as it eased the congestion in the city. “Kandy should be made a city where people walk,” he said.

Central Province Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake, Environment and Natural Resources Deputy Minister Faizer Mustapha were also present.