People support Govt's development drive

Irrigation and Water Resources Management Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva

Q: Are you confident of victory in the three provinces?

A: The government has embarked on a massive development drive in the three provinces, especially in the Eastern Province. People support the government for its excellent performance.

Q: Have peasants benefited by the government policies?

A: Issues relating to grass roots level development of rural and urban masses have been fully addressed. In most provinces 70 to 80 per cent of roads have been carpeted.

Large scale water supply projects have also been implemented by the government. The government's development drive throughout the country is unprecedented.

Fostering communal harmony vital

LSSP Leader, Senior Minister Prof. Tissa Vitharana

Q: What have you got to say about the Eastern Province where LSSP is contesting alone?

A: Communal issues dominate the campaign. That is not healthy.

Q: What do you propose?

A: When there is a large number of non-sectarian political or development issues to be addressed recourse to communal issues will certainly make inroads into unity among the three communities in the eastern province.

What is most important is to foster harmony among communities.

Communal politics will create conflicts

Deputy Minister of Technology and Research Faizer Mustapha

Q: You have condemned communal politics of some politicians in the Eastern Province. Why?

A: At the end of the day you can play communal politics and win an election? But the price you pay is far higher. This would create racial conflicts.

Q: What do you propose?

A: We need to be secular if we are to take this country forward.