27.02.2008
Defence
Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella addressing the media this
morning in Colombo (27) stated that all was ready for
the Local Government elections in the Eastern Province
on March 10, contrary to the picture of violence and disorder
painted by certain groups and parties.
Minister also drew attention to the incident concerning
the former Executive Director of ICES (International Centre
for Ethnic Studies), Dr Rama Mani, explaining that the
UNDP Chief of Policies and Programs, Omar Norman, had
signed a petition requesting that her visa be extended
and had later complained that he was tricked into signing
it.
The
East was now going through a massive development process
under the Nagenahira Udanaya and all that was needed to
make democracy meaningful was political freedom, which
the government was trying to a reality through local elections,
he said.
The
minister observed that shortcomings existed even in the
so-called strongest democracies, but said it was absolutely
wrong to say that elections masked by violence.
Courtesy
- Government Information