President’s clarion call to all

Rohan Mathes reporting from Wellassa

President Mahinda Rajapaksa asserted that he was fervently appealing to all political parties to join the government neither through fear nor bankruptcy, but with commitment and the sheer desire of developing and uplifting our motherland considering it his bounden duty.

President Rajapaksa made this assertion when he addressed a large gathering at the "Wellassa Udanaya" (Renaissance of Wellassa) Jana Hamuwa yesterday at the Pelwatte Sugar Factory playground in Wellassa.

"It is less than two years since I assumed office as President. Give us some time to develop our country, our motherland. Give us your solutions and advise us on the national issue sans envy and jealousy," he said.

He claimed that 43 UNP Parliamentarians were now with the Government and they have 119 members with them. The rest too could join the Government to uplift the nation.

"I am the President of this country and I consider it my bounden duty to urge all political parties to come under one banner to develop our country and make it a self-reliant nation," the President added.

Referring to the protests of the unemployed graduates, President Rajapaksa lamented on the behaviour of these graduates whom he said were misled due to political concerns.

"Their agitation was baseless. However, I have ordered an investigation as to why tear gas was used instead of water. I always believe that only a minimum force should be applied if necessary, sans causing unwarranted harassment to the people," the President said.