“I am not a politician who attacked you. In the past you were under the tight grip of a fascist group who killed your kith and kin and robbed you, of your belongings. I am with the Government providing you with all your requirements to make you comfortable and safe, and this you should well understand” - Devananda in Jaffna
(October 27, Jaffna, Sri Lanka Guardian) Douglas Devananda, Minister of Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development and the leader of the EPDP, chairing the meeting held on 23rd October, 2010 at St. Mary’s Church near Pallai Army Camp for discussion of the problems of the resettled and those to be resettled in Pallai Panchchalai Pattu Divisional Secretariat Divisions stated that he was a person who works in accordance with the prevailing realities and not a one working to a set political agenda for self aggrandizement. He also said that there were two kinds of politicians in many countries of the world including Sri Lanka. One kind with vested interest shamelessly were engaged in activities at the expense of the people of the country whilst the other with humane qualities, at all times worked for the betterment of the masses, irrespective of their party allegiance and that, he belonged to the latter category since his coming to politics.
Speaking further the Minister said “Before the 18th of May, 2009 there were only sounds of guns, bombs and bitter sufferings all round in this area, President Mahinda Rajapakse courageously facing many challenges ended this scourge. He whole heartedly agreed with the speech I made at the Progress Review Meeting held in Vavuniya on the last 19th concerning the development activities carried out in the North. The President in his speech said that we need to protect the hard won freedom, and people should clearly understand this. “It’s over 20 years I came to main stream politics since signing of the Indo-Lanka pact,” he added.
Speaking further, the Minister said that beginning from the next week, resettlement of the IDPs in the area except Muhamalai, Kilali and Iththavil would be completed within a period of 3 months and all infra-structure facilities including schools would be ready by that time. He also said that within the next two weeks a meeting would be convened at the same venue with the participation of the concerned government officials for sorting out their problems. Finally the Minister said “I am not a politician who attacked you. In the past you were under the tight grip of a fascist group who killed your kith and kin and robbed you, of your belongings. I am with the Government providing you with all your requirements to make you comfortable and safe, and this you should well understand” He also promised to supply the resettled with 50 bicycles to facilitate their transport.
Col. Kirthsiri Abeyasinghe, Pallai Commanding Officer, Professor Mohanadas Muhundan, Pachchapalaipattu Divisional Secretary also participated at this meeting.
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