‘President’s UN speech silences baseless allegations’

Ishara MUDUGAMUWA

President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s speech at the UN General Assembly is a good answer to the baseless allegations of LTTE supporters, said SLFP General Secretary Maithripala Sirisena participating at a SLFP press conference held at the Mahaweli Centre, yesterday.

“A large number of Heads of State appreciated the President’s speech. The speech will help strengthen international relations. National and international development, terrorism, international relations and many other interesting topics were clearly touched upon in his speech, said the SLFP General Secretary.

He said it is necessary to have a vibrant Opposition to ensure democracy in the country. The leaders of Opposition parties are responsible for the plight of their parties.

“The public have already accepted the government’s vision. The UPFA has a powerful election campaign. Other parties must solve their internal problems before doing election campaigns. Winning the CMC is not a big challenge for the UPFA, the minister said. Responding to a speech of UNP mayoral candidate, Minister Maithripala Sirisena said the CMC cannot develop Colombo city without the central government’s support. The government plans to develop the city to international standards and this could only be done successfully under a UPFA mayor, he said.

Economic Development Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said that the CMC’s income last year was Rs 6,769 million of which Rs 6,768 million was spent to pay workers’ salaries. The balance Rs one million revenue is not enough to develop the CMC. Therefore, the support of the central government is a must for the development of the city. “The Mahinda Chintana programme states that 65,000 houses will be built in Colombo city to solve the housing problem. The first phase of this programme has already commenced at a cost of US $ 600,” the minister said.

Western Provincial Council Chief Minister Prasanna Ranatunga, UPFA mayoral candidate Milinda Moragoda were also present at the press briefing.