People love those politicians who have renounced hate politics and act humanely, stated President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing a group of Kandy Municipal Councillors led by Acting Mayor Suminda Wickremesinghe, at President’s House, Kandy yesterday (24 August).

There is no room for hate politics in the country he said adding that he would not do anything that is harmful even if it could bring more votes.

As an example he explained how he refused to open the road in front of the Dalada Maligawa during election time despite being informed by some that it would bring him 8,000 more votes.

Keeping the road closed would get the approval of the people as the Dalada Maligawa is a very sacred place, he said.

The President also discussed with the MMCs the development plans of the Kandy City and the need for improving productivity at work places.

The re-location of the Bogambara Prison in Kundasale would release valuable prime land in the city for development, the President observed. He requested the authorities to continue with the traffic arrangements made for the Perahera as it eased the congestion in the city. “Kandy should be made a city where people walk,” he said.

Central Province Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake, Environment and Natural Resources Deputy Minister Faizer Mustapha were also present.

Meanwhile, President Rajapaksa commended the services of State and Private Sector institutions that contributed in making the Esala Perahera in Kandy a success.

During a meeting with the representatives of these institutions at President’s House in Kandy yesterday, President Rajapaksa said the institutions have deviated from their commercial objectives and helped to make this annual religious and cultural event a success.

He presented mementos to the representatives of these institutions in recognition of their services.

The Sandeshaya to inform the successful completion of the Kandy Esala Perahera will be handed over to President Mahinda Rajapaksa today (25) by Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela Bandara.

According to traditions, the Diyawadana Nilame and the Basnayake Nilames of the four Devalayas are due to hand over the Sandeshaya to President Rajapaksa at the President’s House, Kandy after the Day Perahera.