Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

• Boasts per capita income improved from US $ 1200 to US $ 3,819 during his time 

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa who was reappointed leader of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) at its convention yesterday said his party would become the most formidable political force at the next presidential elections.   

Addressing the convention convened at a challenging time, the former President referred to the achievements of his government during the 2005/2014 period under two consecutive terms including the end of the war and infrastructure projects such as the Hambantota port. 

He said the per capita income improved from US $ 1200 to US $ 3,819 during his time and the middle class expanded.   

“Still some people resorted to mudslinging. When we built the expressway, some people harped on it saying it was meant for transportation of Ambul Thiyal for my consumption,” he said.   
He said there was an era when the country was engulfed by the fear of terrorist attacks and parents used to travel separately from each other to avoid both getting killed in a bomb blast.   
“Youths who have no wartime experience have been misled today by some political forces acting according to the interests of foreign elements inimical to the country’s interests,” he said.   
SLPP founder Basil Rajapaksa who addressed the gathering said people were struck by fear for life on two occasions – the war and Covid-19 - and the governments led by his party openly ended both.   
“We are proud about it,” he said.   

In an obvious response to reports about planned attacks on SLPPers who attended the event on their way back from Colombo, he said security measures had been taken, and asked participants to exercise extra caution to avoid any mistake on their part.   

“When you cross the road, you have to make sure that you use only Zebra crossings. Social media teams with vested interests are alert on our movements to find any mistake to be blown up political ends,” he said.   
While asking his supporters to be patient, he said others should not consider it as cowardice.   
“One should not consider our patience as cowardice. When a stone is thrown at a dog, it will bark and run away. But, when a stone is pelted at a lion, it will turn back and explore who did it,” he said.     

•  When we built the expressway, some people harped on it saying it was meant for transportation of Ambul Thiyal for my consumption

 PIX BY PRADEEP PATHIRANA