People's nod for stable Govt - Ven. Rathana Thera

by Uditha KUMARASINGHE

JHU Parliamentarian Ven. Athureliye Rathana Thera said the people have given a resounding mandate by paving the way to form a stable government.

The outcome of this election has clearly shown that the people expect a patriotic Opposition, not a traitorous Opposition like the UNP. We have never witnessed the UNP or Opposition being eroded in this manner, Ven. Rathana Thera who secured the fourth place in the Gampaha district UPFA list told the Sunday Observer.

"The people need a good Opposition. But they don't expect a Opposition like the UNP which hatch conspiracies against the country. A prominent political party like the UNP has faced a severe set-back due to unpatriotic decisions taken by its party leadership," he said.

Ven. Rathana Thera said the people have responded to the request made by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to form a strong government by giving the highest number of seats to the UPFA under the existing electoral system.

The people have fully endorsed the initiatives taken by the Government on behalf of the country and its people during the past few years. The resounding mandate given by the people has opened avenues for the Government to take the country forward.

The election result has also shown that the people in the North and the East provinces have completely rejected nationalism and separatism.

They have shown their keen interest to join the mainstream politics. The JVP has faced a severe set-back due to wrong political decisions taken by them. They have lost their key strongholds like Hambantota and Galle as well, he said.

At this election, the people have also elected a large number of new faces to the Parliament from the Government and the Opposition. This clearly indicates the people have completely rejected some senior politicians as they have failed to fulfil their duties on behalf of the people, he said.