I AM COMING FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION ....
- SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT BY MAHINDA
The Mahinda-supporting political clan this morning attended the special pooja at Matara Devinuwara Shri Vishnu Devala
and subsequently set off to the Medamulana house in a procession of vehicles. After the dhamma sermon and pinkama held at that house on behalf of the Poya Day, the former President made a speech addressing the public. That speech is as follows: "You'll have come to my house today on this Adhi-Esela Poya Day. Not only the United People's Freedom Party, I request the patriotic public of all Parties to join hands with me. You'll know that I bowed my head down to the decision of the majority of people. I have held every post. Within 7 days I handed over the leadership of the Party. But I took the leadership from a convention. For that ... it took 7 months. Never have I been a traitor for my Party.
During the past 6 months there has been a big threat to the national security. Various institutions have been established beyond the the law of the country by bringing pressure on civil servants .... have been dragged on to the roads. Revenge was taken on persons who entertained opposite political views within the 100 days. Development has come to a standstill. We threw political animosity and revenge into the dustbin. We did not do anything beyond the Constitution .... did not insult the court of justice. What we dumped for a penny has once more been taken. You have come here and invited not for taking revenge .... to develop the country. The throng of masses that started with Nugegoda has become a tremendous force .... has come right up to my doorstep. I have no right to brush aside this request made from me by you'll. On behalf of the country we should contest for the General Election at hand .... should take steps to develop everything which is at a standstill and to develop our government. I bow down to everyone who has not left me in this tiresome journey. I ask the patriotic public of all Parties to join hands with us".