REFUGEE

Colombo: Sri Lanka's main contenders for the presidency at the January president polls, the incumbent President Mahinda Rajapaksa held his inaugural public rally in the historic city of Anuradhapura this evening with religious activities at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi preceding.

Addressing the massive crowd the President vowed to secure a future for the present and future generations as he led the country's forces to end the war and restore peace.

"We have saved this country from Tiger terrorism for all politicians to hold meetings without fear," he said to the deafening applause from the people.

President Rajapaksa stressed that mega development programs initiated by his government in the country would be strengthened further after his election. The development activities at large scale will continue to provide benefits to the masses and more development schemes would emerge soon.

The President pointed out that the government provided fertilizer subsidy to farmers even during the global financial crisis and the government secured funds from many countries including India, China, Pakistan and even America for development work.

However, he or his government would not seek money from Prabakaran's parents for any matter, the President remarked.

He said instead he would depend on the farming community to develop this country and make it self sufficient.

No one will be able to stop the progressive march of the government, Preisdent Rajapaksa assured the crowd.

SB Dissanayake, Minister Johnston Fernando and others crossed over from the opposition UNP along with Ministers D. M. Jayaratna and Nimal Siripala de Silva and many others addressed the rally.