SLFP begins islandwide reorganisation campaign:

Govt ready to face elections - President

The Government is ready to face elections as it enjoys the fullest confidence of the people throughout the island, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday.

Addressing a series of rallies held to mark the commencement of the re-organisation campaign of the SLFP from the Anuradhapura District, President Rajapaksa pointed out that it was the Opposition which was apprehensive of facing elections at any level.

Various sections of the Opposition were trying to get elections postponed through legal processes as they are unable to command the trust of the masses, the President said.

He said the reorganisation campaign was not however aimed at winning votes. On the contrary, it would be an opportunity for villagers to resolve various problems in their villages through their representatives and to expedite development in their areas.

“Certain sections are envious of the Government’s landmark achievements and success as it has embarked on a major development process after defeating terrorism and establishing peace,” the President told the gathering. He said the Government was treading on the path of success and development.

The country was already self sufficient in rice and in the near future it will achieve self sufficiency in milk production.

The Government was compelled to raise taxes on imported milk powder with a view to safeguarding the local dairy farmer, he explained.

This would also help save a large quantum of foreign exchange over the years.

The Government has also not lost sight of the importance of imparting modern technological knowledge to students, the President said. Rural children have been given the opportunity to learn English and Computer Science in addition to other subjects.

He stressed that the Government was committed to build a nation where all communities could coexist peacefully in a pluralistic society. Several ministers also spoke.