No snap polls, next elections in 2010, Sri Lanka President says

Aug 27, Colombo: Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday (26) said that there is no hurry to hold a snap poll and the mandate given by the people for the ruling party is valid until 2010.

Addressing a ceremony sponsored by the Finance and Planning Ministry to hand over appointment letters to 246 accountants recruited into the government services at Temple Trees yesterday, the President said although winning a general election at this stage is not a challenge to the United People's Freedom Alliance he would not go for it as it would be a waste of public money.

President said the Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe is calling for a general election only because his leadership in the party is challenged and a snap poll would only benefit him to survive and retain his post.

"The post of Opposition Leader is in doubt. He wants to keep his supporters and party members in suspense, He wants to keep his supporters and party members in suspense and save his position as long as he is agitating for a general election," President Rajapaksa said.

President also highlighted the importance of strengthening the public sector service with an object-oriented vision and a mission to build and develop the nation.

“This government considers the public service as an important part of the country’s development process. Around 150,000 had been recruited to the public service in the past two and half years,” President Rajapaksa said. President pointed out that the policy of the present administration is to unite the country, defeat terrorism, and achieve economic progress by encouraging local farmers and local industry.

Source : Colombo Page