Present Govt. created a society free of political influence: PM

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says the present Government has created an environment for the Chairman of the Election Commission to hold an independent Presidential Election.

Joining the opening of an elections operations office in the Grandpass area in Colombo, the Premier said a free society exists today in the country, and it is not according to the whims and fancies of politicians.

The Police are carrying out their duties independently, according to law and not according to what the politicians dictate. The Police are assured certain security because of the independent police commission, the Premier pointed out.

He noted that today, the Election is held not according to the wishes of the President but according to the program of the Election Commission. The Commission ordered not to give certain appointments and halted them.

“He (Election Commission Chairman) tells us not to give these promotions, don’t give new appointments, postpone these and give after the elections. Did this happen before?” the Premier asked.

“Such a society should be carried forward. I am only asking, should we take this society forward or should we go back?

“In the past, a white van used to arrive opposite a house and abduct persons. Now, the Suvaseriya ambulance comes to the doorstep. It comes only if anyone falls sick. This is the difference between the two versions. There is a difference in society at present than in the past; should we destroy lives or create lives?”

“This Government has created a much better society than the last. We have come to the midpoint of a journey to strengthen the middle class and the journey should continue,” the Premier said.