SLPP 'confident' to face an election

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna says that they are ready for an election at anytime.

A public meeting in the series of public rallies of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, titled - 'Let's stand together' - was held in Nawalapitiya on Sunday (16).

The public meeting was held under the chairmanship of SLPP Leader and the former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Speaking at the event, former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse admitted that although they may have made mistakes, there have been people in history who have made mistakes before. 

"When something goes wrong, we have a chance to fix it. We don't need to be ashamed," he said. 

He alleged that while many know the truth of what happened, many still act as if they do not know, and stick by their lies for the shame of not being able to take back their accusations.

Acknowledging the protest which took place at the same location today, the former Prime Minister said that it is unclear what they demand, and he has no idea as to what they expect.

"We know there is a section of this country against us. When we have an election, we know that we will have more. Even today, if there is an election, a general election, we will win. That is the truth," he stressed. 

Other speakers at the event included the Minister of Plantation Industries Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, who said that they were forced to take a difficult decision of banning chemical fertilizer imports with good intentions, however he admitted that the decision was hasty in being implemented. 

The State Minister of Power and Energy, Indika Anuruddha said that what went wrong for the former administration was misunderstanding where professionals and scholars should be used or not. 

Pointing out that the party frontline comprises of professionals such as doctors and lawyers, the State Minister said that they remain united with the party to carry on a political discourse. 

However, he alleged that some who came from higher positions gave President the wrong advice, which painted a different picture, and the President allowed himself to be misled.

"We didn't get enough time to come up with answers to the issues in the tea industry in the village, the agricultural industry,and the public infrastructure needs at villages," he added.

SLPP MP Namal Rajapakse said that all Government changes much take place in a democratic manner, and reiterated that the party is not afraid of an election. 

"We are ready to face an election in any case, at any time. We know that the young generation has huge expectations, and as a party which has identified them, we hope to reform and move forward," he said. 

SLPP MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage, the former Agriculture Minister stressed that the party is ready to face an election at any time, and challenged the President to hold an election as soon as possible, may it be provincial council, local council or even Parliamentary elections. 

"We are giving the message today in Nawalapitiya that we are ready for any election," he said. He also challenged the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna to win at least one division, and vowed to never engage in politics again if that is the case.

"That is how we made this constituency, Mr President," Aluthgamage added.

The Minister of Health, Keheliya Rambukwella said that many people, including scholars and netizen rallied around former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, whose manifesto contained important points, and was beautiful.

However, it must be admitted, the Minister said, that they were some shortcomings in the execution of the manifesto, he said, adding that these shortcomings must be admitted. 

"I am sorry that he was not able to live up to the challenge which he received at that time. I should publicly emphasize that he did not face up to his challenges, I have no regrets about that," Minister Rambukwella said.

Although many reasons contributed to this downfall, the Minister said that even today, he respects Gotabaya Rajapaksa as a person.