UNP march reaches Dehiwela

[TamilNet, Monday, 11 July 2005, 10:46 GMT]
"Sri Lanka's President and the Government have ruined the peace process, which the United National Party (UNP) started, and have brought Sri Lanka to the brink of war. The term of office of President ends this year and the electorate should be given the opportunity to elect a new President this year," said UNP and opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe at Panadura inauguration of his party's Janabala Meheyuma (Operation People's Power) meeting. Tenth day of the UNP foot march is expected to reach Dehiwela Monday evening.

"Millions of dollars of Tsunami funds left in the custody of the Government have disappeared and the Government is unable to account for them. Refugees are still languishing in temporary tents," the former Prime Minister said.

"The government held a number of religious observances and pledged to distribute these funds to people within six months. Even the 5000/= payment was paid only in the first two months. Mr. Wickremesinghe further said.

The march will start from Dehiwela and proceed towards Colombo Municipal Town Hall Tuesday.

More than 5000 police officers have been called in to provide security in Colombo, Police I.G.P Chandra Fernando told the media.

Police expect a crowd of more than 200,000 to join the Colombo event Tuesday.

Nearly 40,000 supporters took part in this event when it started on 2 July in Devinuara, Galle.