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by N. M. Ameen

We were able to resolve nearly 40 per cent of the problems of the people in the North-East during the last seven years under PA regime, said Minister of Development, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of the North and North-East and Tamil Affairs Douglas Devananda.

Addressing a press conference last Friday, Minister Devananda said he joined the Government not to lead a comfortable life `but to serve the community'.

"Since my appointment as a Minister, most of my time was spent in Jaffna to solve the problems of the people there."

Mr. Devananda further said, "it is true that we have some problems with other political parties. The difference between them and ourselves is we have implemented what we promised to the people. Because of the huge popularity that our party has earned, other political parties in these areas are jealous of us."

The Minister questioned as to what these parties who talk about amity had done for the betterment of the people. "They did not do anything on behalf of the people. They just abandoned people by giving various promises."

"We have built up public confidence among the people in North - East. The only way to solve our problems is through a democratic set up. The EPDP had to strive a great deal of work in this regard."

"We strongly believe that problems could not be solved by way of an armed struggle. The Indo-Lanka pact was one golden opportunity availbale to us in resolving the conflict. But we could not use that chance. At the same time, the forthcoming general election will decide the future of the country."

"When the Government lost majority in Parliament last month, the 25 Tamil MPs should have extended their support to the Government with a view to solve the problems of the Tamil people. They could have supported the Government on four conditions such as stop the war, commence talks with the LTTE, find a respectable political solution to the present crisis and solve the problems of the people. But those parties didn't use that opportunity since they would have thought that they would not be able to continue to be in politics if the problems of the people were settled."

Mr. Devananda said his party would be able to get 10 - 12 seats at the next election. "If the UNP forms a Government after the elction, we will decide whether to support the UNP or not when the question arises."

Minister Devananda vouched to stop extorting funds from people living in the Vanni area with immediate effect if they get two seats from the Vanni District at the next general election. "Today, a loaf of bread is sold at Rs. 27. This is mainly due to various taxes extorted by the LTTE."

The prices of other essential items in Vanni has also gone up due to LTTE taxes, he said. "In this context, how come the Government being accused for price increases ?," the Minister questioned.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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