Severe blow to UNP, JVP - Dr Costa

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) recorded a massive victory at the elections to the North Central, Sabaragamuwa and Eastern Provinces while the UNP and the JVP suffered crippling blows, well- known constitutional lawyer and polls analyst, President’s Counsel Dr Jayatissa de Costa said.

He said the UPFA has been able to win all polling divisions in the North Central and Sabaragamuwa Provinces.

The UPFA in Polonnaruwa, bagged six seats to the UNP’s four. The UPFA received approximately 60 percent of votes cast yesterday while the UNP has been left with a 30 percent voter base.

‘The JVP has again been dealt a severe blow at Saturday’s elections, Dr de Costa said

He said although it is not possible to compare the results of the Eastern Provincial Council election with the 2008 results due to the UNP contesting in alliance with the SLMC at that election in the North Central and Sabaragamuwa Provinces, the UNP again failed to provide an effective challenge to the government. “These election results show that a majority of the people endorse President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s development plans and his policies. Development activities headed by the Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa also contributed to this victory,” Dr de Costa said.

He said during the past four years, the government has taken many meaningful steps to protect the local farmer.

The UPFA notched significant gains in all provinces. The number of seats won by the UPFA increased in the North Central and Sabaragamuwa Provinces.

The results of the UPFA show around four percent improvement in the Sabaragamuwa Province and they have won three seats than the previous time.

According to the results, the UPFA won 28 seats in Sabaragamuwa and the UNP only 14, he said.

Commenting on the UPFA victory in the Eastern Province, Dr de Costa said this was the first time that a national political party was able to win such a number of electorates in the Eastern Province.