‘We will build a righteous society’ Basil tells seven meetings of UPFA representatives

Wednesday, 29 January 2014 00:18 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Although conspiratorial forces levelled various accusations against the Government in an attempt to undermine its efforts to rebuild Sri Lanka after winning the 30-year war, it was able to defeat with the support of the people, the conspiracies to block foreign aid coming to the country. Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) National Organiser and Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa made the above observation when he addressed seven largely-attended meetings of UPFA representatives in the Colombo District. The events were held recently in the Kotte, Dehiwala, Borella, Kesbewa, Kaduwela and Moratuwa electorates. The venues of the meetings were the Samudra Devi Hall Rajagiriya, Public Play Ground Dehiwala, SLFP Office Borella, the clock tower in Kesbewa, Mega City Athurugiriya and Janasetha Kalakendra Katubedda.

The SLFP National Organiser further said that although persons involved in illegal activity like narcotic drug rackets and ethanol smuggling were vilifying the Government it would continue undeterred the campaign to build a righteous society in this country. He added that the Government never reversed any step to taken for the good of the country thanks to the strength of the people. Such public assistance has been provided since the time the Government launched the humanitarian campaign to liberate terrorist-infested areas. The people paved the way for the victory of both the UPFA and the President. “Likewise I appeal to you to help the UPFA to win the Western and Southern Provincial Councils with massive majorities so that the campaign to build a righteous society that cherishes moral values would become a reality.” SLFP National Organiser Minister Rajapaksa expressed confidence that this time too, the UPFA would achieve a major victory in the Western Province, the signs of it being already visible in Dehiwala, Borella and other electorates in the Colombo District. He also mentioned the efforts the Government is taking to develop the Greater Colombo area.

He recalled that although Mahinda Rajapaksa became President in 2005 he was not able to win in several of the country’s 25 districts. At the time the former government had officially accepted LTTE domination in eight Districts of two Provinces, under the Ranil-Prabha Agreement. Anyone travelling to the north had to obtain special permission from the LTTE. After passing the Omanthai police check point it was like travelling from one country to another. Today Buddhist pilgrims have the freedom to travel to Nagadipa. It is the same for Catholics going on pilgrimage to Madu and Muslims who want to visit the Kattankudi mosque. Following these victories organised groups began to slander the Government from both within and outside the country. Various accusations were made against it. Attempts were made in Parliament to defeat the Government and stop the humanitarian campaign. But since the people were always with the Government all such efforts came to naught. “I appeal to ensure a UPFA victory in the Western and Southern Provinces this time too, to foil similar attempts.” Among the others who addressed the meetings were Ministers Susil Premajayantha, Mathripala Sirisena, A.H.M. Fowzie, Piyasena Gamage, Tissa Vitarana, Gamini Lokuge, Jeewan Kumaratunga, Wimal Weerawansa, North Western Province Chief Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara, Parliamentarian Thilanga Sumathipala, former Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, Kotte Mayor Janaka Ranawaka and Dehiwala Mayor Dhanasiri Amaratunga.