SLFP for common good of people - PM

If there is any political party which has united independent thinkers in Government and Opposition ranks for the common good of the people it is the Sri Lanka Freedom Party. I can clearly state so with pride and humility as one of its pioneer members and Senior Vice Presidents, said Prime Minister D. M. Jayaratne in a message to mark the 59th anniversary of the SLFP.

The message said: The SLFP had its origin in historic Senkadagala city under the leadership of late Prime Minister S W R D Bandaranaike on September 2, 1951. It is to further the cause of this party that I shed blood, languished in prison and went to courts over its long journey. The strength and courage offered by past leaders such as late S W R D Bandaranaike, late Mrs Sirimavo Bandaranaike and former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga for the progress of the SLFP was so much that it could not be expressed in mere words.

When all of them were seated in the crown and receiving homage it was the incumbent President and the President of the SLFP Mahinda Rajapaksa who laboured hard to discipline the party and make it a powerful force in the country.

The manner in which he is steering the party towards victories clearly shows that he is a born leader. This statement is made without malice and should not offend any one.

At no time in the past had there been strong discipline within the SLFP as at present.

The SLFP does not distinguish between persons or positions when meting out punishments to wrong doers.

I can proudly state that the SLFP is the only party which treats all members alike.

This is a strong link which keeps the party intact without any internal squabbles or suicide attempts by the membership.

The SLFP is based on pure and honourable objectives. Victories achieved by the party is dependent on the collective sacrifices made by all of us.

Party frontlines as well as the youth membership pay attention towards protecting the party and its leadership as a mark of honour to the party.

May the giant tree which is the SLFP which celebrates its 59th anniversary prosper for another 100 years more for the benefit and welfare of the people.