Govt cannot ignore LTTE’s killing spree: President

[September 30, 2004 - 5.15 GMT] 

President Chandrika Kumaratunga says the Government can not tolerate the continuous murders of members of unarmed democratic Tamil political parties by the LTTE.

The LTTE has continued its serial killings of members of Tamil parties who had entered the democratic mainstream ever since the ceasefire agreement was signed in February 2002 which required that all Tamil political parties except the LTTE be disarmed.

The President recalled she had cautioned in writing the then Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Defence Minister about the flaws in the Agreement and the possibility of a situation that is now prevalent. The President said despite several warnings to this effect she had no response. The President said she had raised this issue at every Security Council meetings during the time of the UNF regime.

"After our government took office arrangements were made to provide security to every Tamil politician who requested such security. Defence experts are of the view that irrespective of the ceasefire agreement it is the duty of the government to provide security to all Tamils who had entered the democratic process."

The President said her Government did not accept the policy propounded during the era of former President J.R. Jayewardene which said people should look after their own security. She believed that it was the Government's prime duty and responsibility to provide security to all citizens in the country.

The President observed the SLMM is tasked with the prevention of such killings in the areas of the North and East. However the monitors have not been able stop such murders. As for the killings in the South especially in Colombo, the President assured the Government will act with responsibility to put an end to this form of terrorism.

 PRINT THIS STORY

Contact Information: Send mail to gosl@presidentsl.org with questions or comments about this web site. 
Last Updated Date: September 30, 2004  - 5.15 GMT.