Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday, November 2, said the SLPP was duty bound to preserve the unity among its coalition allies who had fought for the same cause.
Speaking at the SLPPs fifth National Convention at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre in Colombo, Premier Rajapaksa said the size of a political party did not matter, and what really mattered was the goal.
“These parties have been with us through thick and thin. They are not the crutches of the SLPP. Therefore, all parties must unite, and making that happen is our responsibility,” he said.
Recalling the sacrifices made by those who contributed towards the SLPP’s historic victory, the PM said, “They are neither crutches nor a cat’s paw of the SLPP”.
The PM also said that soon after the electoral victory of the SLPP, the youth had come out in large numbers and painted wayside walls, spending their own money, because they had hopes that the country’s political culture would change and their future would be secure.
“We do not know where these youth are today. We must check whether it is they who are in waiting in queues to obtain passports to leave the country. If so, we must do everything possible to keep them in this country,” he said.
