Minister Lal Kantha rules out contesting future elections from Kandy

Agriculture Minister K. D. Lal Kantha said that he will not contest for a parliamentary election from the Kandy district in the future.

Speaking at a press conference held in Kandy, the Minister said that he will, however, continuously engage in active politics.

Expressing further views, the Minister added:

"One does not need to go to parliament to serve the country and engage in politics. I contested from Kandy this time because the President insisted.
I am not fond of contesting elections anyway. Therefore, I have no intention of contesting from the Kandy district after this. But I will serve Kandy. Our General Secretary, Tilvin Silva never contested elections. But for how many years he is in active politics. I will also never leave this party. How many people broke away from this party. I will not.
Similarly, our government is the one that will continuously govern this country. At least there is no one in sight to challenge us. Is there a proper opposition? Therefore, we can continuously maintain our government in this country.
Sometimes the President may change. Official designations may change. But our government will not change. That is the true situation.
As soon as the constituency delimitation issue is resolved, we will hold the Provincial Council election. In the future, we will implement many plans to provide relief to people."

Expressing views regarding the issue of farmers selling paddy, the Minister stated that the government's declared paddy purchasing price will not change under any circumstances.

Stating that even if protests are held or voices are raised, there is no possibility of changing the price. The Minister stated that large-scale paddy mill owners agreeing to purchase paddy at the government's declared price, following discussions with the President, is a positive situation."