‘Resounding victory, best answer to critics’

The UPFA held a series of rallies in the Ratnapura District in support of its candidates at the Provincial Council elections. The rallies took place in Eheliyagoda, Kuruwita and Ratnapura town.

Among the speakers at these meetings were Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister D W J Seneviratna, External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris and Parliamentarians Namal Rajapaksa and Udith Lokubandara.

The speakers explained the reasons why Provincial Council elections are being held at this time. It is entirely in keeping with the basic norms of democracy to give the people the opportunity of making their views known from time to time. This is especially important within the framework of an electoral system which makes no provision for the holding of by-elections, they said.

It was emphasized that continuity of policy would greatly benefit the public at a time when a unique opportunity has presented itself, with peace and stability achieved in the country, to move forward rapidly towards economic development. The speakers gave specific details regarding the government’s achievements in the fields of roads, railways, irrigation, support for the small and medium sector in industry and a wide range of welfare activities.

They gave their audience an account of the challenges confronting the country in the international sphere, and stressed that the best answer to the critics would be a resounding victory which demonstrates beyond doubt the verdict of the people.