SLFP, a staunch defender of people’s freedom – President

By Shanika SRIYANANDA

President Mahinda Rajapaksa, addressing the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) at Temple Trees on Friday said the Sri Lanka Freedom Party defined the very epitome of freedom for the people.

The theme of the anniversary was “60 Years with the People”.

“The freedom delivered in 1956, the freedom granted in 1972 by being totally liberated from Britain and the freedom achieved in 2009 by eliminating Tiger terrorism are of extreme importance,” President Rajapaksa told the gathering.

“The SLFP is not restricted to a particular village, religion or ethnic group. He pointed out that the party could be identified as a common party for all people. It was the SLFP which told the world that terrorism could be defeated. Sri Lanka was able to stand staunchly in the face of the world economic crisis.

The Party bears the responsibility to nurture a steadfast generation to take over the challenge to carry forward the country,” the President added.

He said that many programs have been implemented to ensure a bright future for the country under Mahinda Chintana. There are programs to increase the per capita income to 5000 dollars.

The President pointed out that it is usual to face conspiracies, locally and internationally, when crucial programs are being implemented on behalf of the country.

“As long as the people flock around the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) no force can defeat the country.

The SLFP has identified the real need and is the heartbeat of the common people and they will remain with the SLFP.

As long as they are with the SLFP, no one can defeat Sri Lanka.”President Rajapaksa said that during the last six decades, governments under the SLFP had rendered an immense service to the people on very crucial occasion.

One being introducing the Paddy Lands Act in 1956.

He also said that the SLFP has taught many lessons to the world.

He said one is that terrorism could be defeated and another is taking the middle path in politics.

The SLFP as a party has to play a pivotal role to create the correct attitude among communities that there are no differences.Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, Malay etc but that there is only one nation.

He added that the SLFP has to work equally in the South, North, East and West to achieve this end.

Earlier, addressing officials of the Ministry of Sports on the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, the President said: “We have to move forward while facing all the obstacles.

We have to derive the maximum benefits as we are enjoying peace after 30-long years. But the ultimate objective should be country’s development”, the President said.

President Rajapaksa said all the citizens of this country have a responsibility towards development and no one could forget the sacrifices rendered by the heroic soldiers to bring a peaceful era after ending ruthless terrorism.The government is to pay special attention to solve the problems in the construction sector, which had shown a 10 percent growth from last year.

This was revealed at a discussion held between President Rajapaksa and representatives of the construction sector, pottery and tile industry, importers of wood, and cement manufacturers at Temple Trees in order to seek their views in preparing the government’s budgetary proposals for the coming year.

It was proposed to incorporate these proposals into the 2012 Budget.

These discussions were among a series of meetings that the President is to hold with the private sector in preparation for the 2012 Budget.

Special mention was made with regard to the scarcity of skilled workers in this sector and the President stated that a program was needed to enhance the status of these workers and to develop the correct midset.

He said that he was hopeful that with the implementation of the Bill relating to construction, most of the problems of persons involved in this industry would be solved.

The State Music Awards Ceremony was held on August 30 at Temple Trees under the patronage of the President.

Organised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs in collaboration with the Department of Cultural Affairs, Sri Lanka Board of Arts, and the State Music Committee, this was the first competitive music awards ceremony to be held in Sri Lanka.

The President took part in the ceremony by giving awards to 10 artistes who have rendered an yeoman service in the field of music. A number of talented artistes performed at the event.

Sangeethanjali, a book written by Sunil R. Gamage was also presented to the President.