Government will adhere to
the CFA despite grave provocation - Jayantha Dhanapala
[August 16, 2005 - 4.00 GMT]
Foreign Secretary
H.M.G.S. Palihakkara said on Sunday [14th August]that
on the basis of the investigations, the assassination of Foreign
Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar clearly had the hallmarks of the LTTE. In
this context the Foreign Secretary went on to welcome the accurate
characterization of the assassination as a “truly vicious terrorist act”
by many distinguished international statesmen, in their messages of
condolence on behalf of their respective governments. He was addressing
the diplomatic community in Colombo
at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Foreign
Secretary stressed that the need of the hour is to follow up on the
recognition of the nature of the act, by taking practical and effective
measures as required by international law, for the prevention and
suppression of terrorism. These measures could include sanctioning and
internationally isolating the responsible entities and individuals, and
engaging in international law enforcement cooperation against their
terrorist activities.
Secretary General
of the Peace Secretariat Jayantha Dhanapala said,in the light of the
assassination, there would have to be a serious review of the certain
policies and procedures followed upto now in relation to the peace
process. At the same time, notwithstanding this act of grave
provocation, the government would continue to adhere to the
ceasefire. Mr. Dhanapala hoped that the international community,
including in particular those nations and entities that had served as
the co-chairs of the 2003 Tokyo Pledging Conference, would recognize
their special responsibility to take action in the wake of the
assassination of 12th August.
As for the people
of Sri Lanka,
their commitment to continue the peace process remains manifest, and was
exemplified by their determined refusal to be provoked by this heinous
and murderous act of terror.
Inspector General
of Police Chandra Fernando briefed the diplomatic community on the
status of the ongoing investigations and stated that all the indicators
evidenced so far pointed towards the complicity of the LTTE. The nature
of the weapon involved and its sophisticated handling, plus the careful
and patient stalking of the intended victim, were all hallmarks of the
modus operandi of the LTTE.
The Secretary to
the Treasury Dr P. B. Jayasundara, the Secretary to the Industries
Ministry Dr U. Vidanapathirana and senior officials of the Foreign
Ministry joined in the briefing. The briefing concluded with the IGP
inviting the diplomatic missions to be in contact with the Police
Department, so that they could keep themselves posted of further
progress in the investigation.
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Last Updated
Date: August 16, 2005 - 4.00 GMT |
