"The UNP has been disintegrating and breaking-up since the general elections of 1994. Today, it has become a lifeless party of has-beens. Many high-profile, national-level leaders of the UNP have joined the People’s Alliance. Throughout the country, thousands of long standing UNP members have now rallied round the People’s Alliance.

"Therefore, on October 10, the people will cast their votes and give a verdict in favour of the President and the People’s Alliance," said Colombo District PA leader, Kingsley T. Wickremaratne addressing an election rally at Kaduwela recently.

Continuing, he said: "Since 1989, I have utilized decentralized budget funds allocated for Kaduwela for the accelerated development of the entire electorate.

"Today, for example, 98 per cent of the residents of Kaduwela electorate have electricity. Our country has an installed power-generating capacity of 1,300 megawatts. Projections show that in the first few years of the 21st Century that the country would require in excess of two thousand mega watts of electric energy to meet the demand for power.

"Then, today, you can live without any fear whatsoever. There is nothing to terrorize you, to make you anxious for your own life and lives of your loved ones, your friends, and your co-workers. Chandrika Kumaratunga, our courageous President, ended that nightmare era. Today, there are no torture chambers and there has been no political victimization whatsoever. Therefore, you need to protect the freedom you now enjoy, the rights you have under the Rule of Law, by voting for the ‘Chair’ symbol on October 10.

"The UNP is a party with a horrifying record of violence and terror which was openly indulged during the 17 years they ruled the country.

Now, since 1994, it has been disintegrating and its end is near as the people give their verdict on the 10th. Leading stalwarts of the UNP have left it and have joined the PA in support of the enlightened and courageous leadership of President Chandrika.

They have realized that she has a vision and a humane way of transforming that vision into reality. That is why they have joined her at this time to form a National Government to defeat terrorism and build prosperity, progress and peace.

Those UNP leaders have left crony capitalism and dictatorial politics behind them. They support the democratic liberalism of our President. Likewise, thousands of UNP supporters at grass-roots level, have also pledged their support and joined the People’s Alliance.

"I know that an enlightened, progressive electorate composed of intelligent voters will vote for the PA and give it a tremendous victory on the 10th."

Provincial Council member, Rajah Balasuriya and Colombo District PA candidate, G. H. Buddhadasa also spoke.