Jaffna results show people's desire for co-existence - Devananda

The Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP) General Secretary and UPFA Candidate Douglas Devananda who has obtained the highest number of Preferential Votes (28,585) from the Jaffna district, said his victory has highlighted the Jaffna people's desire for co-existence with the rest of the country.

Devananda, in his message on his victory, said: "During the previous polls in 2004 my party's victory was forcibly snatched. I was elected from the Jaffna district on behalf of my party, in the previous Parliamentary polls.

"However, three EPDP candidates have won on the UPFA ticket in the parliamentary polls this time.

"People in the Jaffna district have endorsed President Mahinda Rajapaksa's commitment towards rebuilding Jaffna from the destruction of three decades of conflict.

"The results have also indicated that Northerners do not have any hardcore attitude towards winning their political rights. My party appreciates the stance taken by the Jaffna people.

"All three EPDP members elected from the UPFA ticket from the Jaffna district will dedicate themselves for the betterment of the people of Jaffna.

"My party is happy to see that Jaffna voters have rejected the false propaganda carried out by various elements to tarnish the image of the EPDP and the UPFA", Devananda said.