The UPFA has no right to speak about women’s rights, as they are not fielding a single woman as a candidate from the Colombo District for the April 8 Parliamentary Elections. Taking into consideration the International Women’s Day celebrations a few days ago, the UPFA should have put forward at least one woman to contest the Colombo District, said UNF Colombo District candidate and UNP Organiser for Colombo West Rosy Senanayake.

She was addressing a meeting in Kirulapone, presided over by UNP Leader, Ranil Wickremesinghe a few days ago.

Western Provincial Council Opposition Leader Mrs. Senanayake said that mothers of this country were facing severe hardship as they found it difficult to provide their offspring with even one square meal a day. "I have received several letters as a Western Provincial Councillor and I understand the plight of these women. A few days back, a mother threw a small child into the Kalu Ganga. We must put an end to this misery faced by women due to economic reasons brought about by politicians," she said.

"Fourteen per cent of children are unable to attend school due to poverty. They are malnourished too. Question papers for examinations are not given on schedule. Who should take the blame for this sad state of affairs?"

Mrs. Senanayake queried that if this same UPFA government was returned to power on April 8, would it not be a disaster, with the cost of living increasing four fold.

She said that Colombo was a UNP bastion and the people should vote for an UNF government on April 8. " This is a very crucial election. The voter must make a correct choice as to whom he should vote for. Ranil Wickremesinghe is the only leader who can improve the economy ruined by the UPFA and bring back prosperity to the country," she said.

UNP Colombo North Organiser, former MP Ravi Karunanayake, asked the people not to fall for the UPFA ‘Gimmicks’. The people could not be fooled all the time. He asked what the UPFA had done all these years.

"They had ruined this country and were attempting to return to power again. The people should show their dissatisfaction to the government by voting for the UNF, which would form the next government.

"Only the UNF can revive the economy and make this country prosperous. We have a good team. Where is the salary increases promised to government servants during the Presidential Election in January? Trading establishments are closing down gradually. Already 150 of them have closed shop in Colombo North, and some are contemplating putting up shutters," Karunanayake said.

Leader of the UNP and UNF, Ranil Wickremesinghe said the UNF government, which would be formed on April 8, would get the economy moving once again and strengthen it. He said that the people could not expect any relief from the UPFA government and only the UNF could deliver the goods. The UPFA had not even named their candidate for the Prime Minister’s post.

Among the others who spoke were Wijedasa Rajapakshe (UNP Organiser for Maharagama), Jayantha Silva (UNP Organiser for Borella), Titus Perera, and Sunil Lidelpitiya.