President likens Eastern victory to universal franchise

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday likened the democratic exercise in Batticaloa at the recently concluded election to the country obtaining universal franchise for the first time.

The President reiterated that with the successful conclusion of the local polls in Batticaloa, the main focus was directed not only with regard to the Eastern polity but also to the international arena. "The country could now demonstrate to the entire world that we are a Nation which respects democracy".

President Rajapaksa made this observation addressing Members of Local Government bodies from Batticaloa, elected at the recent elections, at the Presidential Secretariat.

He congratulated all elected Local Government members from Batticaloa on their becoming representatives of the people of Batticaloa.

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