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Trincomalee district MP R. Sampanthan who participated as the distinguished guest at the 'Thai Pongal' celebrations held at the Trincomalee remand prison expressed confidence that 'Thai Pongal' could be celebrated next year having restored permanent peace in the country by finding a just solution to the Tamil national question.

'Thai Pongal' celebration was held under the auspices of the Prison Hindu Officers Association and the Eastern High Court Judge J. Visvanathan participaing as the chief guest.

Mr. Sampanthan continuing said "I see detainees arrested kept under detention under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and Emergency regulations. Now an opportunity has dawned to create a conducive situation to review peace talks with Norwegian initiatives.

We have requested the Prime Minister to take steps to release all detainees now in custody under Prevention of Terrorism Act and Emergency Regulations without being charged for more than three months and those who have been indicted only on their confessions against them. We have decided to pursue this matter further."

Mr. Sampanthan added once a permanent solution to the Tamil national question was found and peace restored several countries would come forward to provide financial aid to develop the northern and eastern provinces.

Eastern High Court Judge J. Visvanathan said religious teachings and the law were intertwined. Human beings are born with compassion and love. A child not tolerating the suffering of an injured kitten is an example of human beings born with love and compassion.

He said man should live with the true feelings of Dhamma and those who live according to the teachings of Dhamma would achieve all noble ideals in life.

Asst OIC Trincomalee remand prison E. M. Mariyanesan who chaired the function recalled R. Sampanthan's contribution for making the lock up prison as a remand prison to enable remanded suspects to be kept in Trincomalee avoiding their being taken to Anuradhapura.

Mr. Mariyanesan spotlighting the shortcomings said the major shortcoming is a vehicle for the prison. If suddenly a prisoner falls ill at night there is no way to take him to the hospital. Mentally unsound persons are also kept at this prison.

The detainees, expressing their grievances said they should be kept in Trincomalee remand prison instead of detaining them at Boosa, Kalutara, Anuradhapura or elsewhere in the South. Mr. Sampanthan assured that he would look into their grievances.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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