Govt. will not fall or be dissolved prematurely - President

Rohan Mathes reporting from Nawalapitiya

President Mahinda Rajapaksa asserted that the Government will not fall or be dissolved prematurely as suggested by certain political parties and the media, and urged all parties to rally round his Government and consolidate it for the well-being of the nation.

President Rajapaksa made this assertion when he presided over and addressed the Jana Hamuwa (People's Rally) at the Jayathilake Playground Nawalapitiya yesterday, the first in a series of rallies arranged by the Government islandwide, to inform the masses about the current situation in the country, amidst baseless and slanderous allegations against the government by certain political parties and the media.

He said that the SLFP is a strong party built on a strong foundation, and is not a monopoly of any family or individual. "The party's doors are open to ingenious or talented persons who are capable of steering the country to prosperity. Anything is possible only if our country is protected without being fragmented into pieces. I urge everyone to shun any type of animosity, jealousy and party differences and join hands for the well-being of one's motherland.

This is our foremost responsibility and duty for which everyone should be fully committed to, he said.

President Rajapaksa pointed out that the development which was once limited to Colombo and the Western Province only, is now extended to the East as well, following the recent comprehensive victory over the LTTE, by the Armed Forces. Certain mega development projects such as the construction of harbours, airports, highways and power projects which had stagnated for long owing to the North East conflict and lack of funds, have now got off the ground, despite the ongoing war. "We will develop the country while fighting terrorism", he said.

The President noted that the UNP was blindly alleging that the government had a clandestine deal with the LTTE. "We have not had any such surreptitious deal with the LTTE. Earlier they accused me of fraud in the "helping Hambantota' matter. All these allegations are baseless and unjustifiable. They are only defaming our characters and displaying their political bankruptcy. However, the people disregarded all this and voted for me", he said.

The President underscored the importance of achieving a honourable peace which would be accepted by all the communities who cold then live in harmony sans fear nor suspicion. "We should also cultivate and promote good spiritual and moral values in our children and our future generations. They should know to rever and honour their parents and their religious dignitaries. That is why we have implemented the 'Mathata Titha' programme", the president said.

He opined that the development of agriculture will also be given high priority to enhance productivity.

Ministers Maithripala Sirisena, Jeraraj Fernandopulle, Rajitha Senarathna, T. B. Ekanayake and Mahindananda Aluthgamage also addressed the rally.