The Liberal Party of Sri Lanka extends its warmest congratulations to Benigno Simeon Aquino III and the Liberal Party of the Philippines on their tremendous victory in the Philippine Presidential election. The Liberal Party of the Philippines has always been in the forefront of the struggle for freedom and social justice, and this enormous vote of confidence makes clear the appreciation of the Philippine people for its consistent stand.

The party suffered during the Marcos dictatorship when Benigno Aquino Jr was imprisoned, exiled and then shot dead on his return. His widow Cory emerged as the consensus opposition candidate when finally the Philippine people were permitted to vote after many long years, and the People’s Movement ensured that efforts to subvert the results of the voting were defeated.

Mrs Aquino served the Philippines at a time of difficulty when democracy was still in danger, but left it safe by the time she finished her term of office. Since then the Party maintained its position as the voice of conscience in Philippine politics, though its Presidential candidates were unsuccessful.

The Liberal Party of Sri Lanka, as the current Chair of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats, also salutes former CALD chairs Florencio Abad and Franklin Drilon for their forceful stands over the last few years on behalf of democracy, and congratulates them for the success of their efforts now. Senator Drilon, as the former Senate President, and Chair of the recent Inter-Parliamentary Union Conference in Manila, will again be a tower of strength in the Senate, while we look forward to another sterling contribution from Mr Abad, who has served in the Cabinets of both President Aquino and President Arroyo, before resigning on an issue of conscience.

We congratulate all our Liberal colleagues in the Philippines, who have been associated with the Sri Lanka Liberal Party for over 20 years, and who were represented at our first major international event in 1991. We have no doubt that this victory is a triumph not only for the Philippine people but also for freedom and social justice throughout Asia.

Rajiva Wijesinha, MP

(Chairman, Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats)

International Secretary, Sri Lanka Liberal Party