Political leaders call for peaceful election

by Ananda Kannangara

Construction and Engineering Minister Rajitha Senaratne said that President Mahinda Rajapaksa defeated the LTTE and brought honour and permanent peace to the country after 30 years.

“Therefore, it is the sole responsibility of peace-loving people in the country to vote for him,” he said.The Minister also stressed the importance of developing the construction field and said the Government has plans to start large scale programs in collaboration with several countries within the next few months, so that it will benefit the local youth to find employment opportunities.

Western Provincial Council Minister Udaya Gammanpila said President Mahinda Rajapaksa fought the LTTE without bowing down to external pressure and defeated them within three years. He said the war is now over and the next objective of the Government is to start development projects to improve the economy.UNP Deputy Leader, Karu Jayasuriya called on all patriotic people in the country to face the January 26 election without creating trouble.

He also requested voters to think about the country’s future and cast their vote.Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena requested people in the country not to incite violence during this election period and cast their votes in a peaceful manner. He also said the Government has increased the minimum amount given to Samurdhi beneficiary families to Rs. 1,000 each and also has plans to grant housing loans to them at low interest rates.Education Minister Susil Premajayantha highlighted the importance of the forthcoming Presidential Election and requested all voters to cast their vote in a free and fair manner.

“We do not want to see any violent activities during the election period or on Election Day, therefore I appeal to all voters in the country irrespective of their party policies to help conduct an incident-free election on January 26”, he said.

UNP General Secretary, Tissa Attanayake too appealed to the public to exercise their franchise without creating unnecessary incidents.Power and Energy Minister, W.D.J. Seneviratne also requested the public not to engage in violence during the period.He said the Government has decided to start many development programs in the near future for the sake of youth in the country.