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Sixteen political parties in a joint statement last Saturday (27) said that terrorism should be defeated unconditionally. While vehemently condemning the LTTE attacks at Yala and Anuradhapura, they also called upon the Government to give priority to “the creation of a political culture that brings the Tamil people closer to the administrative process while being sensitive to their genuine grievances.” The statement: “We have unanimously and unhesitatingly decided to vehemently condemn the LTTE’s brutal attacks on the Yala Army detachment and on the Anuradhapura Air Force base. “We firmly believe that it is a national responsibility to express our gratitude to the heroic personnel of the Armed Forces who laid down their lives for the sovereignty of the Nation and to wish a speedy recovery to all those injured. We also extend our gratitude to their families. “We have reached a consensus that terrorism should be defeated unconditionally. The creation of a political culture that brings the Tamil people closer to the administrative process while being sensitive to their genuine grievances should be a priority for the Government. “We also take this opportunity to commend the courageous leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to make the political resolution process a reality. “We cannot in anyway condone attempts being made by certain elements to gain narrow political advantage at a time when the Nation is facing ruthless terrorist attacks. “Whoever seeks to shape the Southern political landscape according to the LTTE agenda, we stress that all citizens should reject such despicable attempts in one voice. “We reiterate that unity brings hope and division, hopelessness. This is proved by our experiences in the local and international arena as well as by the noble aims espoused by the great philosophies of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Islam. “The LTTE, now confined to one area unable to directly face the valiant Security Forces, is likely to plan more such attacks and acts of carnage using their suicide cadres. Therefore we jointly appeal to the Security Forces and the public to maintain constant vigilance.” The statement was signed by Minister Maithripala Sirisena (Sri Lanka Freedom Party), Minister D.M. Jayaratne (People’s Alliance), Minister Susil Premjayantha (United People’s Freedom Alliance), Minister M.H. Mohamed (United National Party Democratic Group), Minister Dinesh Gunawardena (Mahajana Eksath Peramuna), Wimalasiri de Mel (Lanka Samasamaja Party), Minister Rauff Hakeem (Sri Lanka Muslim Congress), Minister Douglas Devananda (Eelam People’s Democratic Party), Minister P. Chandrasekaran (Upcountry People’s Front), Minister Ferial Ashraff (National Unity Alliance), Minister M.L.A.M. Athaullah (National Muslim Congress), Minister DEW Gunasekara (Communist Party of Sri Lanka), Rishard Badiudeen (All Ceylon Muslim Congress), Ven. Ellawala Medhananda Thera (Jathika Hela Urumaya), Ranjith Navaratne (Sri Lanka Mahajana Party), P.M. Podiappuhamy (Desha Vimukthi Janatha Party).
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