STATEMENT ON THE EASTERN PROVINCE ELECTIONS
The first ever Provincial Council elections for the Eastern Province
was successfully held in Batticaloa, Digamadulla and Trincomalee
districts on 10th May 2008 with the participation of 18 political parties and
22 Independent Groups. The polls registered a voter turn out of 65%, which is a
clear indication of peaceful environment prevailing in the province. People
have exercised their sovereign rights freely in spite of LTTE terrorist
attempts to disrupt voting in Ampara.
Holding elections in the East is an important milestone in the Government’s
policy of restoring democratic rights of the people in areas once dominated by
the LTTE’s terrorism. This election accentuates the
policy of the Government to create an environment in which all the communities
could enjoy freedom, harmony and economic prosperity.
The successful clearing of the East of LTTE terrorism by the Military and the
restoration of normalcy paved the way to hold elections as promised by the
Government. Security forces conducted these Military operations with great care
to ensure minimal disruption to civilian life.
The significance of the election is that the political freedom has been added
to the overall economic progress of the region already benefiting from the mega
development drive launched in the
The conclusion of the election in the East will undoubtedly encourage all the
peace loving people to support the Government’s unwavering commitment to bring
democracy and similar benefits to the people of the un-cleared areas in the
North.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
15 May 2008