President Mahinda Rajapaksa while noting that there were yet some elements who were prepared to betray the country and create divisions for cheap political and financial gain, urged people to continue trusting the government and not to be misled.

“Unity brings about success and prosperity, so whilst putting differences aside let’s proceed as one nation”, President Rajapaksa said addressing the final district election rally of the United Peoples Freedom Alliance in support of party candidates contesting Saturday’s PC polls held in the former conflict torn Akkaraipattu in the Eastern Province.

The President addressing a mammoth gathering said that the era where divisions existed was now over and that there were no more ethnic minorities or majorities and all were equal. The election rally was held in support of UPFA candidates contesting the PC polls from Digamadulla Electoral District for the Eastern Provincial Council.

“It is unity, not ethnic division which will bring our success. We will not allow petty politics to harm the communal harmony reinstated after defeat of terrorism” the President said amid applause.

The President however, told the people to keep in mind that there were yet some elements who were prepared to betray the country and create divisions for cheap political and financial gain.

He said that such elements have now resorted to the cheap tactic of creating divisions by arousing suspicion among various religious groups and communities.

He urged the people not to be misled by canards such as attempts to attack religious places and added that the government has always been committed to protect all religious places and groups. Speaking to the gathering which included a large number of Muslims the President said that the government has always ensured religious freedom of all including Muslims.

He reminded the gathering that it was due to this policy that a large number of Muslim countries had stood in support of Sri Lanka during difficult times..

On the development front the President said that as the government had ushered peace and freedom by defeating terrorism.It will also bring socioeconomic prosperity. He said that the aim of the government was to to ensure a prosperous and peaceful future for the next generation and generations to come. Speaking on the election rally he also praised the political organizer of the area Minister A.L.M.Athaullah for organizing the event successfully.

The President who also spoke in Tamil urged all to put differences aside and stand united to drive the country towards greater heights.

Senior Minister A,H.M.Fowzie, Ministers Nimal Siripala de Silva, A.L.M.Athaullah, Deputy Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardene and MP A.H.M.Azwer also addressed the gathering.

Rasika Somarathna in Akkaraipattu

Source: Daily News (Sri Lanka)