* Minister wants Sri Lanka President's brother to be given premiership
Mon, Mar 22, 2010, 09:02 am SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.

Mar 22, Colombo: Sri Lanka Minister of Labor Mervyn Silva urged the voters of Gampaha district to usher Mr. Basil Rajapaksa to the premiership of the country following the upcoming election.

Addressing a religious ceremony held in Kelaniya Temple, Minister Silva emphasized that Mr. Rajapaksa who initiated the 'Negenahira Navodaya' (Eastern Awakening) development programme for the Eastern Province and the 'Uthuru Wasanthaya' (Northern Spring) for the Northern Province should be appointed as the Prime Minister of the country so that he can serve all countrymen.

The Minister anticipated a two third majority to the ruling United People's Freedom Alliance at the general election and said that Mr. Basil Rajapaksa should be given the real leadership that can lead the parliamentary group.

Mr. Basil Rajapaksa, the younger brother of the President Mahinda Rajapaksa, contests the general election from Gampaha district leading the district team of candidates. He is a national list MP and the senior adviser to the President.

Minister Mervyn Silva is also a national list MP and a candidate for Gampaha district.