Opposition engaged in politics detrimental to country’s interest - President

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has said that the ruling party is engaged in local politics while the opposition is engaged in politics abroad.

The President said that the programme of the government is aimed at rescuing the country from economic slavery.

The Gampaha District Convention organised by the UPFA in connection with the forthcoming LG Polls was held at the Mirigama Public Play Ground on Saturday. The Chief Guest was President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Ministers Basil Rajapaksa, Pandu Bandaranayake, Sarana Gunawardene, Gampaha District MP Upeksha Swarnamalee, Organiser Mirigama Electorate Wasantha Senanayake and a large number of UPFA activists were present - Pic by Nalin Hewapathirana

He pointed out that a programme has been launched to strengthen the people and to overcome the economic problems. The Government has launched a programme to free the country from economic slavery.

He said that is why the UNP politicians have gone abroad to be engaged in politics. The JVP has also joined them. He said that roads and five harbours are being constructed to provide employment opportunities to people. He said that on 17 March the representatives nominated by the ruling UPFA would be elected to develop the villages.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa stated this at a meeting held in Matara. It was held to mark the launch of the national programme to set up one million Domestic Economic Units island wide, “Sapiri-Gamak Supiri Ratak”. The meeting was held at the Uyanwatta Stadium in Matara with the participation of a large number of people.

Addressing the Matara District activists, the President said that a country needed a strong Opposition to speak on behalf of the people and not to betray the motherland in a manner detrimental to the interest of the nation.

Govt. still trying to use the LTTE to win votes – Ranil

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe says the government is still trying to use the LTTE to win votes.

He told a public rally that the government in order to gain votes at the election is speaking of the LTTE and saying the LTTE was forming camps in India.

Wickremesinghe said that the statement made by the Prime Minister about LTTE training camps in Tamil Nadu has been denied by India.

He charged that since the government is unable to address the issues faced by the people, it was trying to use the threat about the LTTE camps in India to overcome those issues.

According to Wickremesinghe, the government was speaking about LTTE camps in India while harbouring an LTTE leader, KP, Kumaran Pathmanadan.