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| Thursday, 11 March 2004 |
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Politics | |
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| Do not elect anyone who espouses corruption, fraud and violence - Dr. Sarath Amunugama Sri Lanka is probably the only country in the world that has a proud and glorious history. The milestones of a great historical journey of over 2500 years are still present at ancient cities like Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya. No wonder, even historians of other countries are amazed at the skill, courage and creative thinking of our forefathers. It was possible for the ancient citizens of our land to achieve such marvels as advanced irrigation systems, education institutes like Abhayagiriya and Jethawana, wonderful places like Sigiriya and massive dagobas/stupas, and so on, because in those periods honest and righteous rulers governed the country. This is why we can boast of the prosperity of those days. Today, we have become a nation that has inherited a past without a present, because politicians elected by people are openly and shamelessly engaged in thieving, corruption and fraud. These remarks were made by Dr. Sarath Amunugama, vice-president of United People's Freedom Alliance and Kandy district candidate of UPFA addressing a public rally/gathering held in the Yatinuwara electorate yesterday. He urged people not to elect persons who espouse violence, thuggery, fraud and corruption. One should cast one's vote to elect honest and dedicated candidates with a clean record. Otherwise the country will face disastrous consequences. Many politicians speak of precepts that they never follow. At this time it is our responsibility to decide what the country needs. We must put an end to the kind of politics that is based on false promises. Power-hungry, tactical politics will put our country into chaos. We must put aside personal interests and must take a course by which we can build the country and preserve our culture. Our utmost aim should therefore be to gift the future generation with self-reliance and benefits of true democracy. It should not be to let politicians to rob the nation's wealth for the benefit of themselves and their families. The country is experiencing a downfall economically and socially due to short-sighted policies of certain politicians. The UPFA is committed to put and end to this political culture. If not, the country's future will be in jeopardy. During the past two years, the UNF government exploited public property. They used public funds, government vehicles as if they are their ancestral wealth. Members of their families made use of public funds and property as if their parental legacies. It is difficult to find such politicians in any part of the world. Nobody has right to make personal use of the land, water resources, forests and vegetation of the country, thereby destroying those resources, Anybody in power should act within the legal framework and according to the cultural values of the land. Those who have done wrong will be dealt with by a UPFA government. We have a great opportunity to do justice to the people by giving due punishment to those who have engaged in corruption and fraud. The people who need to vote UPFA to power hope that those culprits fraud, theft and violence would get the punishment for their deeds. H.E. the President will definitely act to met out punishment to the wrongdoers without fear or favour. Please have no doubt on that. Messrs. Jayasena Godigamuwa and P.K. Sirisena also spoke. |
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