Holding elections in north is a victory for the Government: President

Monday, 23 September 2013 01:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Holding an election to provide the people in the North, who were under terrorist control for three decades, the right to elect their own administration is a victory for the government, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa said following the elections held for three provincial councils on Saturday.

Issuing a statement on the election victories in the North Western, Central and Northern provinces, the President said the provincial council election held yesterday is a unique event that strengthened Sri Lanka’s political democracy. Pointing out that the political parties in the North that were under terrorist control for so long are now enjoying freedom and happiness thanks to the thousands of youth in the security forces who sacrificed their lives to obtain that freedom, the President said those heroes should be remembered at this moment for establishing a lasting peace in the country. Speaking of the ruling party’s victory at the elections to the North Western and Central Provincial Councils, the President said the results clearly show that people are well aware of the Mahinda Chintana Policy and the government’s development drive. The president also requested all parties to shed narrow extremist ideas and take collective efforts to steer the country towards prosperity in the face of the challenges the country faces. He expressed appreciation and gratitude to all officials, political parties and the public who extended their utmost support to hold the election in free and fair manner.