UPFA nominations finalised

by Naalir Jamaldeen

The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) candidates contesting in the Kalutara, Gampaha and Colombo districts of the Western Provincial Council and the Galle, Matara and Hambantota districts in the Southern Provincial Council will submit their nomination papers at the relevant District Secretariat offices on February 3 and 5, the Chief Government Whip and Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardena told the Sunday Observer yesterday

He said that the UPFA led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa is already geared up and prepared to contest in the Western and Southern Provincial Council.

The Nomination Board has finalised nominations and the candidates will be signing the documents today and tomorrow, Minister Gunawardena said.

The UPFA consists of 12 parties. They will contest as they did at earlier elections, he said.

Minister Gunawardena said that that UPFA is confident that the people will give an overwhelming mandate to the Alliance at the coming Southern and Western Provincial Council elections as tribute to the President and the Government.

“The victory of the UPFA at the Provincial Council elections for the Southern and the Western Province will enable the continuation of the social and economic development program,” Minister Gunawardena said.

He said that the Government has also contributed to development in these provinces and plans to implement major development projects soon.

Minister Gunawardena said that the people should be vigilant of tale carriers. They are the dangerous elements in society. Their activities will hamper development.

For the sake of the motherland, the Opposition should refrain from playing a double game and carrying tales. As declared by the President development works will continue smoothly. The benefits of development should go to Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims.

When he was asked about the stance of SLMC Leader Rauff Hakeem at the coming Western and Southern Provincial Council elections. He refused to comment.

Even during the recently concluded elections candidates who contested under the betel leaf showed unity. This time too they will never separate, Minister Gunawardena said.

“UPFA is the largest alliance formed with various parties of various ethnicities or religions. Unity was the secret behind the victory of the UPFA. I further assure the unity of the Alliance,” Minister Gunawardena said.