‘I will not let anyone reverse the country’s forward march’

Dharma SRI ABEYRATNE in Samanthurai

President Mahinda Rajapaksa stressed that he would not allow anyone to reverse the country’s forward march by creating ethnic and religious disputes.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the gathering in Samanthurai

As the leader of all ethnicities and as the guardian of all nationals he is duty bound to protect ethnic harmony. He asked the people of Samanthurai not to fall prey to such conspiracies since certain narrow minded politicians are trying to obtain political gain by rousing communal passions .

The President added that he is the guardian of all ethnicities and religions in the country. He further said that, everyone is treated equally irrespective of their ethnic origins.

The President was addressing the United People’s Freedom Alliance propaganda rally organized in Samanthurai town.

A massive crowd representing Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities attended the rally.

The President told the crowd that unscrupulous groups were attempting to disrupt peace in the country by rousing communal hatred. Even though, certain politically motivated forces try to destroy the ethnic harmony, the harmony among Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim people is strengthening day by day.

The President said that the era, which gave no firm idea about the future has ended. Fear and uncertainty about the future has faded away with the eradication of the terrorism from the country. Now has dawned an era that anyone can live with dignity and self-esteem and with targets and goals to achieve in the future.

“We have to create a country, where we all can live with harmony respecting each other but not a country filled with hatred. That is the core value of every religion the President stressed. President Rajapaksa reiterated that there was no majority or minority in the country. “We all are Sri Lankan. The government has ensured a better education for all since the children are the future of the country.

“I am the guardian of you all. I am not the President of only the Sinhalese, but, of all communities, Tamil, Muslim and all others. Similarly, I stand to safeguard all religions.

I am responsible for protecting all religious places of worship, be it temple, kovil, mosque, or church the President said.

“They spread false propaganda that the government is damaging mosques. Not only the government, but, every politician stands for protecting religious places.

President Rajapaksa stressed that no element will be allowed to disrupt the hard won peace in the country. ‘Our War Heroes achieved peace by eliminating terrorism making the supreme sacrifice.

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[President tours Polonnaruwa ]

President Mahinda Rajapaksa currently on the UPFA campaign trail yesterday made a tour of the Polonnaruwa Distrcit and saw for himself, first hand, the party’s propaganda activities in the district.

The President visited several areas in the Polonnaruwa district including

Aththanakadawala, Bakamoona, Hingurakkgoda and Somawathiya areas. President Rajapaksa also held discussions with the UPFA candidates on the progress the campaign.

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