President tells crowds at final rally:

Move ahead with new resolve

Sandasen Marasinghe and Dhanushka Godakumbura in Piliyandala

*Victory a foregone conclusion

*Elimination of corruption next priority

President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the final election rally on Saturday, ahead of Tuesday’s Presidential poll, vowed to protect democracy and ensure a brighter future for the country.

Addressing a massive gathering at the Somaweera Chandrasiri grounds in Piliyandala, the President emphasized that it was not the time to harp on differences or usher fresh divisions within the country but to forge ahead with new resolve to build on the hard earned victory.

While asserting that victory was a foregone conclusion the President said as he had eradicated the forces of terror he would also be committed to eliminate corruption from the country after obtaining a second successive mandate from the people on January 27.

A new healthcare system, education system, programs to boost agriculture and employment generation avenues are already in the pipeline, he said.

The President also told the gathering that an economic revolution in the country was in the offing, with the Government laying the groundwork with is infrastructure improvement to facilitate such a move.

He also added that the International Monetary Fund had recognized the country’s recent progress in the economic sphere by declaring that Sri Lanka had reached the middle income level category.

“I take full responsibility for implementing the Mahinda Chintanaya, which would ensure peace, development and a morally rich society. Thus join hands with me to realize these noble goals,” he added.

Presidential candidate Ven. Battaramulle Seelarathana Thera too got on stage to express solidarity with the President. Kesbewa electorate chief organizer Minister Gamini Lokuge and Ministers Rohitha Bogollagama, A.H.M. Fowzie, Dinesh Gunawardena, Milinda Moragoda, Bandula Gunawardena and Jeewan Kumaratunga too were present at the final rally.