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CMs extend support for peace process

by Uditha Kumarasinghe

Chief Ministers extended their fullest corporation towards the peace process initiated by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, when they attended their 7th annual conference held at the Barberyn Reef Hotel, Beruwala on Friday.

Western Province Chief Minister Reginald Cooray who chaired the conference said the Provincial council system was formed as a solution to the North-East crisis. All Governments which ruled the country during the past two decades have made sincere efforts to end this problem. As a result of the North-East crisis, devastation has been caused to life and property during the past two decades.

The present Government has entered into a peace process to overcome this situation by declaring a ceasefire with the LTTE. "Therefore we extend our support to the Government towards this endeavour irrespective of party differences," he said.

The Chief Minister said: "At present we have reached a decisive stage in the peace process. But if a ceasefire has been declared, further attention should be focused on the international ban imposed on the LTTE. The LTTE ban should be lifted only if the peace talks were successful."

He said if the discussions show positive results, an interim administration should be given to the LTTE. Interim administration should not be given to the LTTE without commencing peace talks. At present Prabhakaran has been strengthened both militarily and politically.

Central Province Chief Minister W. P. B. Dissanayake said devolution of power was not introduced solely due to the North-East problem. A productive dialogue had not been conducted among the public on devolution of power before introducing the Provincial Council system. If that was done the provincial councils would have gained more powers.

North Central Province Chief Minister Berty Premalal Dissanayake said peace is essential to the country and they were not opposed to peace. "If anyone acts for peace, we extend our fullest corporation without political differences. At present Vavuniya, Mannar and Trincomalee areas have come under the purview of Prabhakaran. Therefore if this peace process fails, it will be detrimental to the people in the North Central Province.

Southern Province Chief Minister H. G. Sirisena, Sabaragamuwa Province Chief Minister Mohan Ellawala and North Western Province Chief Minister Athula Wijesinghe also spoke. 

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