We’ll continue the projects launched by the Govt: PM

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday the Democratic National Front (DNF) was committed to carrying forward the development projects initiated by the government during the past five years.

Speaking at the event held at the Taj Samudra Hotel to sign the agreement to form the Democratic National Front (DNF), he said they formed the alliance with political parties and civil society groups based on several objectives including creating religious harmony while giving prominence to Buddhism.

“We will respect the identity and traditions of all religions and communities while giving prominence to Buddhism,” he said.

The Premier said they had upheld democracy and freedom while putting a stop to the ‘white van’ culture during the past five years.

“We have put a stop to the “white van” culture, the disappearance of journalists and the abusing of women. We have strengthened the rule of law. There are only Suwaseriya ambulances to take people to take patients to the hospital instead of white vans,” he said.

The Premier said some people claim that there should be rigid governance to ensure national security instead of a free society.

“We have arrested all those involved in the Easter Sunday attack. They were all arrested under the law. No one was forcibly taken in white vans,” he said and added that the government had commended every effort taken by anyone including the international community.

“We commended the US when ISIS leader was killed. But those who claim to take over national security are keeping mum.” the Premier said. (Ajith Siriwardana)