Those involved in corrupt politics are now visibly uneasy - PM

Many people involved in corrupt politics are now visibly uneasy, and it has become increasingly clear that nationalism is being used as a last resort by those who have lost political power, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said.

 

She made these comments during a public meeting organised by the NPP movement yesterday (20) at the Nedunkeni Cultural Hall in the Vanni District.

 

Speaking to the crowd, the Prime Minister said, “In the past, politics in our country was divided by regions—North, South, East and the Hill Country. Politicians used these divisions to separate people based on ethnicity and location. This was the environment where corruption grew. People often say that nationalism is the last option for those who have lost political support. But you, the people, rejected these divisions. You voted for a government based on policies and vision, not on race, religion or party identity. For the first time, we saw people vote based on ideas, not just who the candidate was.”

 

“Yesterday, I took part in several public meetings in the Kilinochchi District and visited many homes. In almost every house, at least one family member had moved abroad, separated from their loved ones. This happens because there are not enough opportunities in rural areas to earn a living and build a better future.”

 

“For many years, rural development was ignored—not because money wasn’t available, but because leaders didn’t care enough to listen to people’s needs.

 

"Provincial Councils are meant to help communities with important services-like roads, drainage, preschools and bus stations. These are basic needs that affect daily life. Our people have suffered for too long, and now it’s time to change. We want to build a better, fairer country for future generations," she added.

 

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development Upali Samarasinghe, MP M. Jegatheeswaran, NPP Local Government institution candidates, and many local residents.