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PM renews call for Opposition cooperation

by Ranil Wijayapala and Bharatha Malawaraarachchi

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday renewed his call for Opposition cooperation for the success of the on going peace process.

" Peace is not only for me. It is for the whole country and therefore, there is a need for the involvement of all as we all are stake holders in this vital process," the Premier told in Parliament.

He urged the Opposition not to miss this opportunity." There will be no other bus waiting for us."

The Premier was responding to various views expressed by the opposition members at the tail-end of the two days debate on his statement made in House about the Oslo Donor Conference.

The Premier said that the steps had been taken to keep informed the President about the progress of the peace process. He added that himself and the Minister Milinda Moragoda regularly meet the President to keep her abreast on the peace process."I have now asked Ministers Prof. G.L.Peiris and Milinda Moragoda to brief the Opposition leader and other members."

The Premier who stressed the importance of a structure to keep the Opposition informed on the progress of the peace initiative said there should be an on going dialogue in this connection." We have no problem of getting together and working as we have worked together on many issues.

We all want a democratic settlement based on human rights and dignity, which is acceptable to everyone."

The Prime Minister also said that an extensive campaign will be launched to educate the public on the ongoing peace process and peace dividends as the ceasefire agreement completes one year on February 22. Referring to certain Opposition comments, the Premier stressed that the Government has ensured total transparency throughout the whole process. "Transparency is the foundation of the process", the premier added.

He added that the Government is taking steps to restructure the Police. "Already United Kingdom and India had advised on military restructuring." he added.

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