Opportunity will be provided to the people including those in the North and East to elect a leader of their choice which was not a possibility for three decades due to terrorism, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The President stated this at a meeting with Editors and Heads of private and public media institutions at Temple Trees, Colombo yesterday (24).

It is the ethical responsibility of the government to restore democratic rights of the people in the North and East and stated that his Government is committed to meet all aspirations of these people.

He said that in the aftermath of eradicating terrorism, the Government has taken all measures to build sustainable peace in this country and expedite the development process.

“Having fulfilled the main mandate given to me last time to unify the country, I feel the time is opportune to seek the people’s approval for the progress achieved,” he added.

The government was able to face the challenges of the world economic crisis successfully and maintain a stable economic policy in the country, he stressed.

The President also gave an assurance that he would leave no room for election violence. While thanking the media for the cooperation extended and the responsibility shown, he called upon them to be just.