The government has decided to prorogue parliament since it is "cocksure" of winning the May 10, Eastern Provincial Council Election and thereafter President Mahinda Rajapaksa could make his throne speech, the UNP’s Vice President John Ameratunga said yesterday.

He told The Island, last night that the government was trying to force a victory by "hook or by crook", but the eastern people will reject it, in favour of the UNP-SLMC combine.

"I can understand the prorogation, if the East had been completely cleared of the LTTE and other armed groups. But the LTTE still remains a threat and the armed Pillaiyan group continues to terrorise the people. So what is there to celebrate?"

The eastern people are suffering due to the high cost of living. "The farmers and fisherman are struggling to make a living due to the security restrictions placed.

They will make sure that the government is defeated on May 10."

"We are confident of winning the EPEC by about two to three seats",he added.