Former PM and villagers displeased by public rally snub

Colombo (News1st) - A new Police Station in Pupuressa, Gampola was declared open today. Governor of the Central Province, Keerthi Tennakoon, Minister Lakshman Kiriella, and former Prime Minister, D.M. Jayaratne attended the event. Governor of the Central Province, Keerthi Tennakoon and Minister Lakshman Kiriella addressed the public at the event. However, former Prime Minister, D.M. Jayaratne was not given an opportunity to address the public. This was met with much displeasure by the former Prime Minister and shared the following views at the end of the event. He stated that the Pupuressa villagers were estate workers and the village only had 12 houses. "I've been in politics for 72 years. It is because of me that all these people are in a stable condition. I have to remind you that I gave you this land from my courage and my strength.", he added. He stated that he does not wish to contest in any elections and emphasized that nowadays people would do anything for the election. He further mentioned that people are deceived in order to gain votes. He noted that Minister Lakshman Kiriella was given a membership of the committee by him when the minister came to Kandy. He further added that everybody needs a stable livelihood and everything should not be about politics. "Today people kill each other because of politics. I am not a man who only verbally engages in politics. No one votes being out in the open. Therefore let anyone say anything. But do listen to what they say. Listen with a smile. Listen while cheering. But vote for the correct person when you are voting", the former Prime Minister continued. Few villagers spoke to the media expressed their displeasure as the former Prime Minister was not given an opportunity to speak at the event. "He is the father of our village. He built this village. But he did not speak. We can't think of a reason", said a villager. "He was the one who gave us properties. He should have been given an opportunity to speak to the public; by a good citizen like him. It's not a good thing", said another displeased villager. Thereafter the former Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne left the premises.