PAFFREL celebrates 30th anniversary

Colombo (News 1st): Chairman of the Elections Commission expressed his views on certain parties going before courts on the Provincial Council Elections. Chairman of the Elections Commission Mahinda Deshapriya noted that there is no point of having free and fair elections if it is not held on time. He noted that many civil activists and political parties, who talk about democracy go to courts citing their own agendas wanting elections to be held or cancelled, but at a common occasion they do not turn up. The Chairman of the Elections Commission expressed these views at the 30th-anniversary celebrations of People's Action for Free And Fair Elections (PAFFREL). The event was held under the auspices of Speaker Karu Jayasuriya. Pioneering leaders and volunteers who sacrificed towards safeguarding democratic rights in a non-profit motive in the 30-year career of PAFFREL were commended for their services. The award presented for the services rendered by The Capital Maharaja Organisation and it's Chairman R. Rajamahendran was accepted by Group Director Chevaan Daniel. Speaking at the event today, Executive Director of PAFFREL Rohana Hettiararchchi said that even to this day the people of our country are ready to settle down in the USA. He questioned; "What is the difference between the two countries? Why are they leaving the country when we have a better environment?" He added that if the government is able to create a positive political atmosphere in the next decade and put an end to people leaving the country, that will be the country's biggest victory.

---