Country needs strong Opposition:

Opposition politics detrimental to country - President

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said the ruling party is engaged in local politics while the Opposition is engaged in politics abroad. The President said that the Government’s program is aimed at rescuing the country from economic slavery.

President Rajapaksa stated this at a meeting held in Matara.

It was held to mark the launch of the national program to set up one million Domestic Economic Units islandwide, “Sapiri-Gamak Supiri Ratak”. The meeting was held at the Uyanwatta Stadium in Matara with the participation of a large number of people.

Addressing the Matara District activists, the President said that a country needs a strong Opposition to speak on behalf of the people and not to betray the motherland in a manner detrimental to the interest of the nation.

He pointed out that a program has been launched to strengthen the people and to overcome the economic problems.

The Government has launched a program to free the country from economic slavery.

The President said that is why the UNP politicians have gone abroad to be engaged in politics.

The JVP has also joined them. He said that roads and five harbours are being constructed to provide employment opportunities to people.

He said that on March 17 the representatives nominated by the ruling UPFA would be elected to develop the villages.