I have no circumstances change my decision says Maj; Gen: Janaka Perera

The UNP’s chief ministerial candidate for the North Central Provincial Council, Major General (Rtd) Janaka Perera, said that despite pressure being brought on him from various sectors to refrain from contesting in the NCP and to accept a high post abroad instead, he would under no circumstances change his decision.

He was speaking at a reception organised by the UNP organizations in Anuradhapura to felicitate him on his decision to contest the chief ministerial post.

He said an UNP victory at the NCP elections was a foregone conclusion and after that victory the word Rajarata would once again echo internationally.

He said: "I attended today’s reception in the guise of a General who would ensure a UNP victory in the NCP. Some ask who this Perera is. Perera is a Sri Lankan and a General. I have fought for this country and achieved several victories. We must fight this election like gentlemen.

"At a press conference, a journalist said that the Government would win the provincial council elections. I asked him how the Government could win without the support of the masses.

Another journalist told me that the Government would use force to win elections. How is it possible to use force, I asked him.

"Rajarata is the cradle of Sinhala Buddhism. I appeal to all concerned not to get down heroin addicts and thugs to harass the people of this province. I have faced real terrorism and it is very simple for me to face heroin dealers and thugs.

"I told those who were forcing me to accept a high post and go abroad, that in that case I won’t be in position to serve the people which is my only intention."

"When I was fighting the terrorists there were no threats to my wife or children. But now those who dislike my contesting the elections are threatening my wife and children not to allow me to contest. This morning my wife spoke to me over the telephone from abroad and asked me whether my decision to contest was right. I told my wife that when 40,000 soldiers were trapped in Jaffna, I proceeded to the North and saved them. My decision at that time could have only destroyed my family but had I refrained from going to Jaffna 40,000 families could have been destroyed.

"Unlike several others I did not enter politics to make money or enjoy perks but only to serve the people" Perera said.

UNP parliamentarians, Gamini Jayawickrema Perera, G. Harrison, Chandrani Bandara Jayasinghe and UNP candidates for the NCP elections were also present.