UPFA in for a landslide - Maithripala

Dharma SRI ABEYRATNE

The United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) will definitely record a landslide victory at the forthcoming Provincial Council election, Health Minister and party General Secretary Maithripala Sirisena said.

"The UPFA is contesting the election with the confidence of gaining victory because the UPFA government has carried out unprecedented development in the provinces during the past four years. The UPFA will launch its victorious election campaign today," Minister Sirisena added.

The minister was addressing a press conference of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party at the Mahaweli Centre, Colombo yesterday. Ministers Dullas Alahapperuma and Anura Priyadharshana Yapa were also present.

He said the Opposition, especially the UNP is fearing these elections as they know they will definitely be defeated.

"The Opposition tried to make use of the drought experienced in many parts of the country for political gain. But the government was blessed with thundershowers in the drought striken areas," the minister said. He said after eradicating terrorism, the government has put the country on the course of rapid development.

"Mega scale development activities are in progress. Development is visible throughout the country. At this juncture the Opposition understands that they cannot win this election," he said.

The minister said the Eastern Province has witnessed massive development.

"Today one can go to Trincomalee from Batticaloa within one and half hours as a result of the developed road network. Therefore, the government will score a significant victory at the Eastern province while the UNP will be pushed back to third or fourth place," the minister said.

"Holding elections in time or prior to the scheduled period are signs of a vibrant democracy. The UNP once spoke of folding the election map of Sri Lanka. The people-friendly government will never devalue the election system by taking such cowardly steps and destroying democracy. The UPFA will help conduct a peaceful election," Minister Sirisena said.

Commenting on the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) decision to contest alone in the Eastern Province, Minister Sirisena said the Muslim Congress took this decision after obtaining the due consent of the UPFA following discussions. After the election the SLMC will be with the UPFA.

Minister Alahapperuma said nomination lists have been prepared including all parties of the UPFA.

The UPFA is ready to contest the elections to the three provinces in a confident manner.

The Opposition is in a very weak while the government is strong and receives the support of other political parties, he said.

Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said the TMVP was also contesting with the UPFA.

"As usual, all ethnicities will be united under the UPFA banner to contest the PCs. Politically the UPFA is stable in all three PCs. Therefore, the UPFA will definitely win all three PCs and the government is confident about its victory. The government never postponed elections. By holding elections to the three councils before schedule, the government has ensured the democratic rights and freedoms of the people," he said.