Second mandate for development, prosperity - President

Rasika SOMARATHNA in Mannar

Addressing a massive public gathering in Mannar yesterday, President Mahinda Rajapaksa assured the Northern public that he would remain committed to strengthen and sustain ongoing development in the North to usher a better future for them, after obtaining a bigger second mandate at the January 26 Presidential poll.

Emphasising that he fully understood the difficulties faced by the Northern people who were under the clutches of terrorism for a long period the President noted that as their biggest problem was now over it was time to build on the victory to raise their living standards.

Through the Northern Spring program the Government has enacted development hitherto unseen in these areas and it also has laid a solid foundation for further expansion

“My intention is to ensure a better future for your children. I also want to equip them with quality education for them to reach greater heights with confidence.”

“I have never given false promises and would not do so in the future. I remain committed to ensure your wellbeing.

As you trusted me in the past, trust me in the future as well. I would deliver your expectations,” he added.

The President also observed that “together as a nation, we overcame the deadly challenge of terrorism, bringing to an end the 30 years of mindless brutality, debilitating self-doubt, and unforeseen division among our people.

We know that you are the people who bore the brunt of this scourge. But now you are free. Now you can engage in your daily chores without fear”.

The President said: “However we have to protect this victory and build upon it. We have to always give prominence to our motherland.

There are no differences now we are all one nation and one people. Your areas would not be called difficult areas any more. We would ensure that the word is removed from the Sri Lankan map.”

The President also noted that with the liberation of the area, sacred sites like Madhu had been restored for the people.

He added that likewise religious sites as Thirukedishwaram too would be developed in the future.

“With the cost and pain of conflict behind us, my Government will now be even more focused on diverting our energies to development, continuing the many massive projects we launched in the midst of the fight against terror, and launching new ventures to bring to our country the progress it has been denied,” he added addressing the public in Tamil.

According to locals the UPFA election rally held at the Public Stadium in Mannar yesterday attracted the largest gathering the city had ever witnessed.

Ministers Rishard Bathuideen, Douglas Devananda, Milroy Fernando and V.Puthrsigamani, too addressed the gathering. Other dignitaries including Senior Advisor to the President Basil Rajapaksa MP and Northern Governor Major General G.A.Chandrasiri too were present.