I will take Sri Lanka towards development and prosperity : Gotabaya Rajapaksa

Colombo (News 1st): Presidential Candidate of the SLPP, Gotabaya Rajapaksa attended several public rallies this evening (October 19). The public rally held in Kiribathgoda was organized by MP Prasanna Ranaweera. Speaking at the event Gotabaya Rajapaksa noted that at present, the general public from every area we visited asked for a safe country. He promised to give priority to security in our country and to protect our country's sovereignty. He added that when the government changed, they handed over an economically developed country, however, at present all sectors are performing badly. Gotabaya Rajapaksa noted that they will present a set of policies that will develop this country. He noted that they hope to increase the capacity at Kelaniya University as the Gampaha district is filled with knowledge. He said they hope to establish more graduate institutes, vocational training institutes, and technical centres to provide more opportunities to the youth. Further, he noted that as the tourism industry can be developed within the Gampaha district, they hope to develop the tourism industry further. The Presidential Candidate went onto note that as they have already planned to increase tourist arrivals up to 7 million, they will develop the businesses adjacent to international airports. He added that the Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute will be developed to the standards of a university. He said as fruit cultivation is very popular in the Gampaha district, they hope to introduce new technology and develop the agriculture sector as well. He noted that if the public fulfill their duties, he will fulfill his duties, and take Sri Lanka towards development and prosperity. Leader of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Mahinda Rajapaksa pointed out that since the present government took over, they destroyed the agriculture sector in this country and they have stopped paddy cultivation. He noted that during their tenure paddy harvest was so much that the present government stored them at the Mattala airport. He said a country that was self-sufficient has to now depend on foreign support and the present government is responsible for the current situation.