Democracy to N & E highest priority - President
[Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 6.45 GMT]   

"Restoring democracy to the people in the North and East is a matter of the highest priority for the Government," said President Mahinda Rajapaksa
addressing Media Heads and Editors of Private and State media institutions at "Temple Trees" today.

The Government is also fully committed to provide a political solution to the conflict in the North and East, the President said. 
 
President Rajapaksa said there was a great need for a democratic political leadership and proper democratic institutions and political structures in the North and East, and the Government would take all steps necessary to bring these to the North & East. 

"The Government has no interest whatever in taking the country along the path of continued conflict. No political leadership would want that," the President added. 

Welcoming the media personnel for the New Year the President had an exchange of views with them on current political developments.  

Media freedom

He assured them that the Government gave the highest importance to safeguarding media freedom, and there was no effort on the part of the Government to have policies to oppress or curb the media, contrary to some
opinions being built against the Government. 

The President urged the media persons present to avoid using the media in ways that would to endanger the defence of the state and national security, and to avoid causing religious and communal strife in the country. In the present context he made a special request to those in TV to act with responsibility in handling what was a very powerful media, so as not to
inflame the feelings of people, but to help foster good relations and understanding among people. 

Answering questions President Rajapaksa said the recent bomb attacks on public transport showed the LTTE had gone back in its earlier strategies, and was once again trying its best to provoke racial strife and ethnic violence in the country. This was a direct result of the setbacks faced by them in the East.  

President Rajapaksa said he saw no reason whatever for a general election at this stage. There were no problems with the functioning of Parliament, and an election would only be needed if the balance of forces in Parliament changes, he said. 

He said a Cabinet shuffle was being considered and would take place at the appropriate time.

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Last Updated Date: January 09, 2007 - 6.45 GMT