Polls results, a strong endorsement of govt - GL

Disna MUDALIGE

The results of North Central, Sabaragamuwa and Eastern Provincial Councils indicate beyond any doubt the people of the country have placed their confidence in the government in a very strong and a visible manner, External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris said.

Addressing a press conference at the ministry yesterday, the minister said the results have enormous significance both domestically and internationally.

He said the number of seats won by the government in the North Central and Sabaragamuwa PCs have increased. He said the UPFA emerged as the largest single party in the Eastern Province, in which there is demographic composition of 40 percent Tamil, 33 percent Muslim and 27 percent Sinhalese, adding that it indicates all the people across the country, irrespective of the ethnicity and whether it is urban or rural, acknowledge the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the policies of the government.

Prof Peiris observed the people have responded very positively to his repeated requests to use elections to defeat the economic war against the country launched by certain segments of the diaspora supporting the LTTE. He noted a vicious campaign by the LTTE rump to isolate Sri Lanka in the international arena by discouraging tourism, investment and international trade could be seen in the post war scenario.

Prof Peiris said at the upcoming UN General Assembly sessions, these results would be of immense help to show the world the confidence of the people in the government.

He also noted the election results came at a crucial moment when about 850 Parliamentarians from about 54 Commonwealth countries are present in the country to participate in the 58th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference.

He said these Parliamentarians can now see for themselves the reality on the ground, and the wishes and aspirations of the people as reflected by the election results without being carried away by the false propaganda of the detractors.

He said the vast majority of the participants at the conference are impressed by what they witness through their own eyes in Sri Lanka.