Mahinda Rajapakse addresses rallies in Trinco, Kantalai, Kinniya

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 26 October 2005, 17:18 GMT]
Prime Minister Mr. Mahinda Rajapakse, presidential candidate of the United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) Wednesday addressed election rallies in the towns of Trincomalee, Kinniya and Kantalai in the district. Mr.Wimal Weeravanse, parliamentary group leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna accompanied him, sources said.

Mr.Mahinda Rajapakse spoke standing within bulletproof glass cubicle specially brought to the rallies.

Throughout the day security was tightened in Trincomalee, Kinniya and Kantalai areas.

In Trincomalee town all three wheelers, motor bicycles, buses and other vehicles leading to the venue of the meeting, Trincomalee Mc Heyzer Stadium, were stopped and searched by soldiers of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA). The occupants were subjected to thorough checks, sources said.

Mr.Mahinda Rajapakse arrived in Kinniya by helicopter on Wednesday morning, Trincomalee afternoon 3.p.m. and Kantalai in the evening, sources said.

Mr. Rajapakse said in Trincomalee that he would strive to find a political solution to the national question without dividing the country. He would work to usher permanent peace even by meeting the LTTE leader, he said.

At Kinniya rally held at Town Council ground Mr.Rajapakse said he would ensure once elected to power due place to Muslim people in the political administration. Mr.Abdul Majeed Mohamed Najeeb, Development and Rehabilitation Minister for Trincomalee district presided. Mr.Rishard Badiudin, Vanni Rehabilitation and Development Minister also spoke.