Kumaratunge's message read out at UPFA rally

[TamilNet, Thursday, 29 January 2004, 16:07 GMT]
"The formation of United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA ) is a great victory for democracy in Sri Lanka," said Sri Lanka's President Ms Chandrika Kumaratunge in her message to the maiden rally of the UPFA held Thursday evening in Colombo. Mr.Maithiripala Sirisena, general secretary of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, which is a constituent of the UPFA, read out president's message at the rally, sources said.

(Photo: Associated Press)

The President further said, "although the two parties, SLFP and JVP, differ in their policies and views, the new political alliance is a great step forward of progressive and leftist movement. It is every body's paramount responsibility to strengthen the alliance in order to fulfill the aspirations of the people".

"Both parties have agreed to work together in certain important areas despite the basic policy difference. They will compromise to find a permanent solution to the ethnic conflict and to establish a lasting peace. Both parties have agreed to work together to achieve economic development and ensure social justice," said Ms Chandrika Kumaratunge in her message.

She said from the beginning the SLFP united with other leftist parties, especially in crucial moments in the history of Sri Lanka. Recalling the alliances the SLFP formed with leftists in 1956, 1964, 1968 and 1994, she said the SLFP has been with the downtrodden people and worked for the well being of the country from the beginning.

"The UPFA will soon fulfill the aspirations of all communities in the country", she said.