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Remove doubts in people's minds to ensure peaceful solution- Minister Dissanayake

by Trincomalee correspondent

Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Samurdhi S.B. Dissanayake participating as the chief guest at the "Nena Nuwana' scholarship presentation held at Methodist Girls English school said the Tamils were trying to share power because of the disbelief that prevailed among the Tamils and Sinhalese for many years. It was after 1974 the Tamils began to clamour for a separate state. Sinhala, Tamil and also Muslim politicians, scholars and religious leaders are responsible for this situation.

Mr. Dissanayake said after the internal war broke out the late Presidents J.R. Jayewardene and R. Premadasa and the present President Chandrika Kumaratunga made attempts to bring about a settlement but without any avail. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe being the second in command has come forward to solve this problem. Though it is a dangerous journey he will definitely succeed in his attempt. Mr. Wickremesinghe has come forward to solve the ethnic problem sincerely by sharing power and not dividing the country. Even the LTTE leadership has admitted that Prime Minister Wickremesinghe is sincere.

He said some persons made the war a business. The children of this country faced a mishap because of the war. No one including the armed forces wants war. Even the LTTE cadres detest war. Everyone has realised that the future generation should have a country where peace prevails. To bring about a lasting solution to the conflict the doubts formed in the minds of people should be removed.

Dissanayake said to provide Samurdhi benefits to the people in the North East requires Rs. 1000 m. It is not that easy to find money required for this purpose. At the latter stages of the PA government the President as Minister of Finance had wasted colossal sums of money and even borrowing money from foreign countries without Cabinet knowledge. However Prime Minister Wickremesinghe has promised to find money to provide Samurdhi benefits to the North and East and the Samurdhi programme for this province will commence next year. Government has decided not to discontinue Samurdhi benefits from those who are receiving such benefits.

There is also a programme under Samurdhi to build 100 houses monthly for Samurdhi beneficiaries. There is also a programme to help artists, and youth activities.

Additional Secretary, Ministry of Samurdhi and Samurdhi Commissioner General Mrs. Kumari Navaratna said the 'Nena Nuwana' scholarship programme was started in 1998. This is the first time children from the East and Vauniya district are receiving scholarships. 444 students are to receive scholarships today.

Mr. Navaratne said each scholarship beneficiary will receive Rs. 350 a month through the respective Divisional Secretary offices. 3000 students and 112 student bhikkus are recipients of this benefit and Samurdhi spends Rs. 10,89,200.00 a month. Samurdhi development fund help scholarship beneficiaries.

Trincomalee district MP M.A.M. Maharoof and GA, Trincomalee N.P.K. Nelumdeniya also spoke.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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