Polls win will boost govt’s development march - Maithripala

Yasaratne Gamage In Polonnaruwa

The government’s effort to unite all Sri Lankans under one flag in its development march which commenced in 2005 and became successful with the defeat of terrorism will be strengthened and continued with the massive victory at the upcoming provincial elections, SLFP General Secretary and Minister Maithripala Sirisena said.

The minister was addressing the large crowd at Pulathisi Buddhi Mandira, Polonnaruwa at the launch of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) propaganda theme for the Provincial Council elections to Eastern, North Central and Sabaragamu Provinces ‘Let’s proceed as one nation’ on Saturday.

Minister Sirisena highlighted how the government brought peace to the North and East and North Central Provinces where terrorism had been rooted for decades and also created a peaceful environment for the whole country amidst the plotting by local and foreign forces.

“It is this peaceful and calm environment created by the government that is enjoyed by all citizens, regardless of class, race or political affiliations,” he said.

The UPFA has 19 political parties within its fold signifying unity.

A large number of political parties based on different ideologies have joined hands to strengthen the government’s march towards sustainable development and prosperity, Sirisena said. The minister said President Mahinda Rajapaksa has proved many times that his leadership has been purely for the well- being of all citizens which is witnessed with the vast development projects already accomplished and also in the progress achieved in the background of a peaceful environment.

Minister Sirisena said hardly any country has achieved such a great victory as Sri Lanka amidst roadblocks in its path. “The stability and peaceful co-existence among communities has opened doors for a speedy post-war recovery which will no doubt take Sri Lanka to the level of prosperity enjoyed by countries such as South Korea, Malaysia and Singapore.

It is the people’s duty to rally around a patriotic leader like President Mahinda Rajapaksa by strengthening the UPFA administration in the provinces which will in turn be an expression of gratitude to him for achieving long lasting peace for the whole country,” he said.

Minister Susil Premjayanth explained how various parties gathered around President Rajapaksa and the SLFP to form the UPFA which is a strong bond for the government’s effort to provide a better living standards for all.

He recalled the dangers and threats everyone experienced before the defeat of terrorism.