EPDP supports consensual politics

By S. Thillainathan

EPDP always stands for a strong coalition government in the centre and for self rule in the provinces. To achieve this goal we adapt consensual politics and not confrontational politics. These remarks were made by General Secretary of EPDP and Minister of Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development, Douglas Devananda in an interview to the Sunday Observer.

My dream is to solve the problems faced by our people through the provincial council mechanism. My party takes an open view of the 13th Amendment. We do not blame either the Sri Lankan government or the Indian government for the present situation. Therefore my party thinks that people of the North should endeavour to solve the problem faced by them. To do this we need the public support Devananda said.

Devananda further said, EPDP has decided to contest the Northern provincial council election. We are confident that we can form a stable provincial government in the North. Thereafter we will implement our progressive policies to embark massive development plans for the Northern Province. I am confident that within three to five years we will make the North a well developed province on par with the Western province.

My party and I have faith in our President Mahinda Rajapaksa. He very often tells me that he is prepared to give me whatever I want. When we have such a magnanimous leader like him, I am sure the people of North and the Northern Province will prosper in the coming years. We believe in solving the problems of our people in a democratic manner through the Provincial Council system. All those people who were involved in the freedom agitation could join us in this democratic endeavour. Only through a provincial administration by the elected representatives of the people of North can we bring back the people’s freedom and honour which was plundered by the LTTE terrorism, Devananda said.

Minister Devananda said that, EPDP will not support any attempt to weaken the 13th amendment and even if the government tries do this we will oppose such actions of the government. The people of the country, particularly the people of the North, have full faith and respect for our President Mahinda Rajapaksa and we are confident that he will give us all our wants if they are reasonable requests.

He said that, the High Security Zones in the North will be gradually removed. Very soon the Government will take tangible steps towards this. Today after several years of lost freedom due to the LTTE terrorism, the people of the North are enjoying their life in a very peaceful environment. After the Northern provincial election is over the people will become partners in the development process that will be undertaken by the newly elected provincial council.