Janaka Perera compares himself to Dutugemunu

[TamilNet, Sunday, 06 July 2008, 15:18 GMT]
"I will make Rajarata, a territory with resources in abundance after winning the North Central Provincial Council election like Dutugemunu captured Anuradhapura and developed it," Major General (retd.) Janaka Perera addressing media persons in Anuradhapura after handing over the nomination lists on behalf of the main opposition United National Party (UNP) on Friday, media report said. Janaka Perera is the chief ministerial candidate of the UNP.

"I will be the Chief Minister of the NCP from September. I have not undertaken any venture in my life that cannot be completed. I have not met defeat in my life. I have come forward to serve the people of Rajarata," he proclaimed.

"I am not new to Rajarata. I served in Weli-Oya (Ma'nalaa'ru) area when I was in the army."

"The capital of Rajarata, Anuradhapura which was ruled by several kings in past is now considered as one of the poverty stricken districts in the country," he observed.

"Some have been saying that I am not qualified to contest the election. Those making allegations against me should first remember that citizens of America have been holding the posts of Defense Minister and Member of Parliament in Sri Lanka," he said.

Janaka Perera, after retirement from the Sri Lanka Army, served as the High Commissioner for Sri Lanka, first in Australia, and then in Indonesia.

Chronology: