Amunugama embarks on new political culture

Gamini Chandrasena Katugastota group corr.

Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister Dr Sarath Amunugama pledged to depart from the traditional electioneering method and instead convert his platform into a forum for intellectuals.

The Minister said he would introduce this system from Kandy where ideas and views of intelligentsia would be obtained in the country’s development.

He said this while introducing the Puravesi Balawegaya (Citizens Force) consisting of intellectuals which he said would be a new experience in the country’s political landscape.

Launching his election campaign in the Kandy district, Minister Amunugama said today it is the view of intellectuals that they should come forward to work towards the future development of the country putting aside political differences and that they need a platform for this.

Hence his decision to set up such a platform under the title of Citizens Force.

Speaking on the occasion Ven. Marathugoda Dhammananda Thera said today when one sees the thuggery, killings, etc surrounding politics, many shudder when even politics is mentioned.

Many intellectuals and even the Maha Sanga refrain from expressing their views due to the sorry state of state of the country’s political scene.

Therefore Dr. Amunugama should be commended for understanding this situation creating a platform for intellectuals to air their views, the Prelate said.

Prof. Palitha Randeniya said having associated the Minister for around 40 years, he is not surprised at this move since he (the Minister) always came out with new ideas and thoughts.