polls in North as scheduled says President

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday assured the Northern Provincial Councils elections will be held as scheduled in September as there is a conducive environment to conduct polls.

“We don’t hold elections as per wishes of any outside party. It was I who last year said elections will be held in North in September 2013. Since then we have proceeded with the preparations and creating the right environment to hold elections,” the President told a meeting with editors yesterday at Temple Trees.

“Almost all the Internally Displaced Persons have been resettled in the area. They have been provided with livelihoods and there is only 5% of the area remained to be de-mined,” he added.

Responding to a question regarding international pressure on alleged human rights violations, the President said if anyone can provide credible proof or evidence of such incidents action would be taken promptly.

The President also said that the police is investigating the attacks on the Jaffna based Uthayan newspaper and action will be taken once the investigations are complete.

Speaking of the relationship with India, the President stressed that the government has no rift with India despite issues raised in Tamil Nadu against Sri Lanka and relations between the two countries will not be affected by the influences of Tamil Nadu politics.

The President pointed out that the government has always invited Tamil Nadu politicians to come to Sri Lanka and see firsthand the ground situation.

“We invite all those who are critical about Sri Lanka to visit here and see the reality for themselves,” the President said.

Responding to a query about the government entering into an agreement with an international PR company, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga said it is not the government but the Central Bank, to embark on an awareness campaign on Sri Lanka’s economy.

At present there is an aggressive misinformation campaign being carried out by various groups to tarnish the image and investment opportunities in Sri Lanka, the Secretary said.

“The Central Bank has taken a step to counter campaign to correct the misconceptions as the country’s investment environment needs a fair hearing,” the Secretary added.