Governments are elected to serve the entire country : Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga

Colombo (News 1st): A newly constructed building for the Gampaha Technical College with funding from the Government of Korea and Sri Lanka was declared open yesterday (August 28). This new building comprises of a number of new features including a study centre and dormitory. Ministers Arjuna Ranatunga and Rishad Bathiudeen, State Minister Buddhika Pathirana, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Deputy Minister Karu Paranavithana and MP Harshana Rajakaruna were among those present for the event. The building was constructed at a cost of Rs. 700 million. Speaking at the event former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga noted that politics in Sri Lanka is in a complex state,  however, the Government must move forward despite the complex nature and the sense of uncertainty. She added that once a government is elected, it has no right to only serve those who elected them to power. She stressed that governments are elected to serve the entire country. She went onto note that they would be happy to see a service being done to the country irrespective of party affiliations and no matter what happens in the political arena. Following the event, State Minister Buddhika Pathirana responded to questions by the media. When questioned about his thoughts on disciplinary inquiry against two Government Ministers, he noted that he cannot comment on it. He noted that after 2011 he had not faced any disciplinary inquiry. In 2011 State Minister Buddhika Pathirana faced a disciplinary inquiry, his party membership was suspended and he lost 7 positions. He noted that it became a blessing in disguise as he received aid worth Rs. 100-150 million from overseas to distribute among the people in Matara. Journalists noted that those who appeared for Minister Sajith Premadasa were forced to leave the party. They questioned if this will be repeated again. Responding to this he noted that standing by someone and leaving the party are two different matters. He added that people without a policy are those who leave the party.