SLFP has no need for film stars: Nimal Siripala

Firing the first salvo for the ruling United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) against the fielding of film stars at the elections to the provincial councils, Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva said yesterday these artistes were of no use in Sri Lanka’s political arena.

At a function held to launch the SLFP’s Southern Provincial Council election campaign in Galle the minister said voters were clever enough to return the most suitable representative of their choice without embracing the film stars whose commitment was elsewhere.

“We do not want super stars, tele-drama stars or film stars in politics.

We need only those who are educated and have the ability to identify the grievances of the people and a sincere desire to serve them. The popularity gained from ‘voice cut’ politics is short lived,” the minister said.

He said politicians must not sling mud at their counterparts in other parties and must be always mindful of the words they use at public meetings. Every political party has a set of guidelines which its members must adhere to. Those who play to the gallery or appear before TV cameras and sling mud at others for political expediency would not survive in politics.