He further stated that there is great enthusiasm about elections unlike in the provincial council elections which  is a good sign for all.  Because even in the political arena a lot of changes have taken place. " But all those changes have been to our benefit through which we can work with a new life for the victory of the President.  I am now determine to take this electorate to new heights and have made plans for  good election campaign", he further added.

"Up to now there was a problem about a common candidate, and it has now been settled.  There are no hidden candidates .  Our candidate is President Mahinda Rajapaksa.  He ended the terrorism that enveloped our country and has been going forward with development.  I have been able to work for my electorate and the people due to the funds and strength that he gave me.  We have to be grateful to him and ensure his victory", said the Minister.

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The Minister further said "Our Secretary General has now gone to the opposition.  He says that when he becomes the President he will not take over that position but he will give the executive premiership to Ranil Wickremasinghe.  We can therefore infer that the UNP has no backbone.  They even cannot find a candidate.  Why cannot they find their own candidate.

" I must say that the SLFP is a party with principles and an  identity. We have undergone many difficulties to defend this identity.  We in the SLFP will never vote to make Ranil Wickremasinghe the Prime Minister.  We must believe in the President and work for his success.  Even if President Mahinda Rajapaksa leaves the party I will not leave it.  I don’t want to commit suicide by jumping into a rapidly flowing  water.  We can do our politics on flat ground.  We have no doubt about the success of our President Mahinda Rajapaksa.  We must get the assistance of everyone who have left us for false benefits.  We have started an organized campaign.  We will treat all our party members.  We will also work in such a way that no allegations will be made when giving employment.  We will give every one a chance to work with us and also give all the employment opportunities created by the budget after the Presidential Election. 

"Please therefore give us the vote to ensure the success of our leader", he added. (NJ/KH)