India pays homage to Rajiv Gandhi on his 19th death anniversary

NEW DELHI – India on Friday paid homage to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 19th death anniversary. The day is also observed as Anti-Terrorism Day.

The objective behind the observance of Anti-Terrorism Day is to wean away the youth from the terrorist/violence cult by highlighting the suffering of the common people and showing how it is prejudicial to the national interest.

These objectives are aimed to be achieved by organizing debates/discussions in schools, colleges and universities; holding of symposia/seminars and lectures on the dangers of terrorism and violence and a determined and sustained drive to bring about a mass awakening against terrorism and violence.

Voluntary organizations, social and cultural bodies are organising their own programmes through lectures, talks, discussions, musical and recitation programmes and cultural functions

Rajiv Gandhi on his 19th death anniversary.

Sajith Premadasa speaks on the UNP crisis

UNP Member of Parliament Sajith Premadasa speaks to Daily Mirror online in a Live audio interview regarding the crisis within the party.

By Sumaiya Rizwi

Do you think the opposition leader Ranil Wicramasignhe has failed as a leader?

Well, I think during his tenure we have had our successes and we have had are failures as a political party is concerned but I have to say that all of us as a collective are responsible for various achievements for the various setbacks. So having said that for every time we are defeated at electoral contest you have to consider yourself as failed. But I think as a party if we garner and re mobilize ourselves we can once again become victorious. If you take the overall picture one can argue with the number of electoral defeats that we as a collective have failed on successive occasions but then again I think if we re garner and re mobilize our resources and our support base the UNITE National Party has a good future.

Even after he lost two consecutive presidential polls?

Well, he has taken a decision that he has a role to play both within the UNP and in Sri Lankan politics. We all respect that, so its his discretion whether he is going to continue to playa a major role in the political arena.

What is the current consensus within the UNP on its leader Ranil Wicramasinghe and the party reforms?

I must say there is a plethora of opinions a variety of suggestions and proposals. So there isn’t a consensus as such as of now because I believe that a party which respects giving due consideration to the opinions and suggestions of all and we have formulated various proposals through a committee that has been appointed by the working committee. And we hope to make sure there is some sort of a consensus is achieved at some time in the future very soon. MORE>>>