UPFA confident of victory in N'Eliya - C B Ratnayake

Today people are rallying round the UPFA, more than ever due to the correct and pragmatic leadership by the President. On the other hand the popularity of the JVP and UNP is eroding. Specially the crucial Tamil vote in the district is with the UPFA this time around.

Q: During the last Presidential election the UPFA could not secure a majority vote in the Nuwara Eliya District. Do you think the UPFA could secure that elusive victory this time ?

A: Although we failed to secure the Nuwara Eliya electoral district at the recently concluded Presidential Polls, the UPFA is confident that it can win the district at the forthcoming Parliamentary Polls. Yes, We will definitely win Nuwara Eliya.

I am confident that we can obtain five out of seven seats in the district. Today people are rallying round the UPFA, more than ever due to the correct and pragmatic leadership by the President. On the other hand the popularity of the JVP and UNP is eroding.

Specially the crucial Tamil vote in the district is with the UPFA this time around. Both the UNP and JVP have no chance against the UPFA-CWC combine in Nuwara Eliya even if the UNP and the JVP joined hands.

Q: Under the highly competitive preferential voting system, many believe that even several powerful Ministers may not retain their seats. What about you ?

A: We are working as a team to secure victory for the UPFA. This is our first priority. Then there are three Manape and the people can choose whom they think as the most eligible to serve them. I don't see any challenge as I have always enjoyed people's trust and confidence.

I will sit in the next Parliament as well to serve the people of Nuwara Eliya and the country.

Q: As a Minister and a people's representative of Nuwara Eliya are you satisfied with the service you rendered to the people of your area and the country in general during your tenure ?

A: Yes, Since 1994 Nuwara Eliya has come a long way. Development has been enacted in many spheres such as roads, health, agriculture, electricity and water. The development we enacted through the Ministry is there for everybody to see.

Q: Can you elaborate more on the development taking place in the Nuwara Eliya district and the plans in this regard ?

A: The majority in my district depend on agri-based economy. To boost their living standards the Government aims at improving infrastructure. Special attention has been laid on enhancing facilities in the road structure and electricity generation. In addition through the Gama Neguma and Maga Neguma a lot of development taking place in villages. Many by-roads have been concreted and many others are earmarked for development.

Also plans have been mooted to boost the living standards of the estate community with improved health, education, sanitary facilities.

Q: What is the message you have for voters in your constituency ?

A: This is a historic and a golden opportunity for Sri Lankan voters. This election is being held in an environment of reconciliation and unprecedented development.

The scourge of terrorism has been defeated in addition to both local and international conspiracies which were threatening to destabilize the country.

As a result, today Sri Lanka is emerging as the Wonder of Asia.

My appeal to the voters is to give a strong mandate to the UPFA at the April 8 polls and strengthen the hands of the President to supplement and accelerate the country's march towards prosperity.