I have already emerged victories: President

(January 20, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that he had already emerged victorious. He made this statement while addressing a United People's Freedom Alliance rally at the Galenbindunuwewa area public grounds, attended by representatives of the UPFA and many artistes.

According to the presidential election operations office, several UNP regional politicians including the opposition leader of the Galenbindurnuwewa Pradeshiya Sabha, H. E. Piyaratne had pledged their support to President Rajapaksa.

“Forget all party differences. I invite you all to unite to develop the country after the 27th. Let's move forward. We can't let it move back.

“Today, we have already won. We're coming here just to see you. We need to develop this country.

“I was carrying a small child. When parents see me, they let me carry them. They wanted me to stroke the child's head. Before doing so, I was looking at the child's face, who was about 8 months old. After a little while, the looked at me and said 'Jayawewa'.

“He still hasn't even said 'mother' of 'father'. The first word uttered by this 8-month-old child was, 'Jayawewa'.

We are leaders. Even though we fought during our school days we can't sow seeds of hate or anger. Every word that we say is being closely watched by these children.

“As leaders, we have to set a good example. Every word cannot be about hate or anger,” said the President.