The present situation was most favourable for the government to go to the polls. However, as the government had a mandate to be in office till 2010, he saw no reason to hold an election till then, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa, today (Aug 26).

He said some political leaders were not genuine in their present call for elections, which was being done in a shrewd bid to retain their own positions of leadership.

The President’s statement came just two days after the ruling UPFA had a sweeping victory in elections to the North Central and Sabaragamuwa Provincial Councils, in which it won majorities in all four districts that were polled.

President Rajapaksa said this at the appointment of 246 government accountants at a ceremony held at Temple Trees.

He said the government was ready face any challenge including an election, and that he would not hesitate to take political decisions giving foremost importance to the needs of the country, with no harm being done to the great service being done with much sacrifice by the armed forces in the north.

He added that the recent elections to provincial councils showed the people endorsed the government’s policies to develop the country by ridding it of terrorism, and that the government was committed to pursue development while safeguarding the state sector.

Whatever political views that may exist, his aim was to unite all people and lead the country to the status of a developed nation; and all those who love their motherland should shoulder their responsibilities by their country, the President said.