Rajapaksa asks people in north to seize poll opportunity

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa today appealed to people in the Tamil-dominated northern province to seize the opportunity and elect their own representatives in the upcoming Provincial Councils election.
"There were presidential and parliamentary elections but this is the first free election in 30 years afforded to northern people to express themselves in a vote", Rajapaksa said while addressing a meeting of editors.
"Participating in a democratic process is a clear indication of new freedom they are currently enjoying," President added.
He said his military campaign which ended the LTTE's reign of violence had brought in peace and stability to the north.

The first ever northern provincial council election is scheduled for late September. Political parties are expected to file in their applications by August 1.
Referring to the challenge faced by his ruling coalition from the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), Rajapaksa said he was hopeful that northern people would use their vote wisely and select those best for them.

"We have been pledged support by elements within the TNA. They are appreciative of our work," the President said.
The TNA has fielded retired top judge CV Wigneswaran as the chief ministerial aspirant.
Rajapaksa's ruling coalition banks on its services in areas of resettlement of the conflict displaced and the rehabilitation of war ravaged areas with a massive programme to rebuild the devastated infrastructure.

However, the TNA's campaign would be based on the historical grievances of the Tamil minority and the Rajapaksa government's slowness in achieving national reconciliation.
The northern election is regarded a key step in taking the minority Tamils into confidence in the post-LTTE conflict period.
Expressing his views on fishermen issue in North and East, President "Our people in North could not go fishing for a long time due to conflict. Now when they try to resume their livelihood, they have to face this new problem.
He said that Sri Lanka is always adhere to the policy of humane treatment for Indian fishermen who have detained by the Sri Lanka Navy for crossing the International Maritime Boundary Limit.