Government condemns violence against innocent civilians- President [Tuesday , May 30, 2006 - 10.30 GMT]

President Mahinda Rajapaksa today met with the Bishops of Jaffna and Mannar to discuss the situation of violence against civilians in the North East. Last evening 13 Sinhala villagers were cut and shot to death by suspected LTTE cadres, in a village around 10 km north of Welikanda in Polonnaruwa. On Saturday seven local visitors to the Wilpattu National park were killed when their vehicle was blown up by a landmine.

During the discussion at Temple Trees the President requested the Bishops to encourage the people to report incidents of violence against civilians promptly to the security forces and aid them with investigations.

He further requested the Bishops to report any difficulties they may face in reporting such incident to the Peace Secretariat. Jaffna Bishop Rev.Thomas Saundranayagam and Bishop of Mannar Rev. Rayappu Joseph participated in the discussion.

President Rajapaksa told the Bishops he valued their contribution towards making the peace process successful and said as the leader of the country he worked towards the safety and development of all the people without discrimination. The Bishops in turn requested the President to involve himself directly with development work in the North East.

The President also sent his condolences to the families of the victims of the Wilpattu landmine explosion and said the victims were respected, innocent Sinhala and Tamil civilians. He said the Government condemned such actions against innocent civilians and requested people to act with patience and restraint.

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Last Updated Date: May  30, 2006 -10.30 GMT