15th May 2000

A discussion to create awareness among the representatives of all registered political parties about the NorthEast situation was held in the forenoon of 15/05/2000 at the Presidential Secretariat chaired by Her Excellency the President Chandrika Banadaranaike Kumaratunga.

H.E. the President who explained matters to the representatives of the political parties present said that this discussion was arranged because it was the duty of a responsible government to keep all the political parties informed about the current situation of the country. The President said that heavy attacks are being launched against LTTE from 20th of April to this date and pointed out that the army after abandoning Elephant pass, has gained strength to repulse all LTTE attacks. She also explained that although there had been strategic retreats on some occasions the forces have been strengthened to face army eventuality in full strength despite various obstacles.

The President further said that although certain media carried some false propaganda during the past few days the government has supplied the maximum requirements of arms to security forces and boosted up their morale to the highest level. She explained the way that our security forces engaged in a protracted war, facing the enemy is highly commendable.

She said that our security forces have been successful in recapturing 80% of the land that had been under LTTE control by 1994 facing the most fierce guerilla organization in the world. The LTTE has reinforced their strength through money earned locally and internationally by various malpractices and funds obtained from their friends as aid, but said she is confident that the government and our security forces have all capabilities of facing the LTTE.

She also explained that at this decisive moment it is our responsibility to unite as a Sri Lankan nation without any narrow political, racial religious and caste differences and grant the maximum rights that the minorities are entitled to, and if we can confirm to the international community that we have conferred the rights of minorities, they will be pressurised to stop all aid to LTTE.

H.E. the President also pointed out that the countries giving aid are aware that the present Sri Lankan government is not a murderous government and that it is making every genuine effort to resolve this problem, and also the Tamil community oppressed for years is awaiting to get their rights legally guaranteed. Immediately after coming to power, our government attempted to grant this demand through the proposed devolution package. The general public consent to the proposals but the government failed to bring about a solution, as the government could not get the unnecessary support in parliament.

In reply to certain questions raised by several representatives of the participant parties the H.E. the President stated the LTTE has backed out every peace effort made during the past two decades, and especially on every occasion when action was taken to grant the rights of minorities LTTE has objected, because they knew that they have no existence in an environment of peace. Her Excellency further declared if the LTTE is prepared to stop war and come for talks, the government is ready to consider it at any time, but the government will never agree to unacceptable proposals such as withdrawing government forces from the North.

She stated that her government and she is against any type of terrorism and it is vindicated by the courses of action followed by the government in respect of cases like Krishanthi Kumaraswamy incident.

In reply to another question, H.E the President said that she is a Sinhala Buddhist woman herself, but this government belongs to all communities including Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher and Malay living in this country, and this government is working according to the requirements of all these communities.

Hon. Anuruddha Ratwatte, Deputy Minister of Defence explained matters with regard to the situation prevailed in the North-East prior to 1994 and from 1994 to last month and how LTTE terrorism has intensified thereafter.

Dinesh Gunawardane proposed that all participant parties at the discussion should sign a joint statement of defeating LTTE terrorism and separatism and Dr. Kamal Karunanayake seconded it. H.E. the President also stated that it is a timely suggestion. However, the opinion of some parties was that it is a decision to be taken after discussion at their party level.

Representatives of 27 recognised political parties and several ministers of the government participated at this discussion.

 

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