President's image not harmed, says Alagiyawanna

by Jayanthi COORAY

Even an iota of harm cannot be inflicted on President Mahinda Rajapaksa's image. He is a politician who has identified himself with the masses, said Transport Minister, Lasantha Alagiyawanna at the opening of the new crematorium at Malwatu-Hiripitiya. The building was constructed at a cost of Rs. 10 million. He said it is a fact that the Opposition's common candidate led the Army to victory as its Commander during the recently concluded war.

However, President Rajapaksa, while being in overall charge, withstood the pressure exerted by international Tiger sympathisers and other organisations. Simultaneously he maintained cordial relations with next door neighbour India and enlisted their support amidst strong protests by several Indian states, the Minister said. The transport sector, under the President's guidance, has registered a considerable improvement with the addition of a large number of new passenger compartments to the railway system and increasing the CTB bus fleet.

Commuter congestion has been substantially eased. Employment opportunities have been provided to graduates in large numbers while the university intake has also been increased. Accordingly, there is a yawning abyss between President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Opposition candidate, the Minister said.