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The UNP which undermined good governance and democracy during their period of rule are trying to portray themselves as champions of these virtues today, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said.

Addressing an election rally in Maharagama yesterday, the President said: "It was during the UNP rule that the country saw an increase in the violation of human rights, deterioration of good governance, spread of corruption, undermining of democracy and the weakening of media freedom."

Contrary to this, the President said his government has always been committed to upholding democracy and ensuring good governance. "Democracy, equity and prosperity have been our clarion call," he added.

President Rajapaksa recalled that the UNP during their time of rule had taken the law into their hands to wreak vengeance on their political opponents. The UNP harassed and even killed artistes, literati, journalists and political opponents alike, he added. President Rajapaksa said his government had brought unprecedented development to the country after eradicating terrorism.

He pointed out that the living standards of the public had risen unprecedentedly.

"Today graduates don't engage in protests seeking jobs. Unemployment has come down drastically. People could travel to any part of the country within a few hours due to improved roads," the President said speaking about the benefits of some of development programs of the government. He noted that the opposition today was even criticizing these development programs which have immensely benefited the people, while noting that a crucial election was in the offing which could decide whether the country would go back to the dark era of the past or whether it would proceed on the current path towards a bright and prosperous future, the President requested the people to use their vote wisely without falling prey to the canards spread by opposition elements with vested interests. Ministers Wimal Weerawansa, Dinesh Gunewardene, JRP Suriyapperuma MP and several other UPFA political leaders addressed the gathering.

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Democracy, equity, prosperity have been our clarion call _ President