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City life hit by protest

By Ananda Kannangara

Yesterday's PA-JVP anti-peace protest shut businesses and brought normal life to a standstill in the City.

There was panic among parents who were anxious about their children in schools as there were fears of planned attacks by the demonstrators on selected targets. Leading Colombo schools were stampeded by parents who were eager to take their children home.

The city of Colombo and suburbs came under tight security as Army and riot police took up positions at vital installations as a precautionary step. However, no incidents were reported.

Addressing the participants of the demonstration yesterday, Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapakse said the Government has not yet reduced the cost of living and people face a lot of hardships.

"Although the Government says that the peace process has brought fruitful results, the LTTE is going from strength to strength under the cover of the peace process. It will not benefit the country," Rajapakse said.

JVP Propaganda Secretary Wimal Weerawansa said the PA-JVP Alliance intended to form a new Government. Weerawansa accused the Government of betraying the people in the guise of the peace process.

"If the MOU signed by the Government is successful and a peaceful atmosphere is prevailing in the country how can the LTTE bring arms and ammunition to the country," he asked. People will decide whether they should have a better Government.

Weerawansa charged that the Government was helping the LTTE to meet its demands. "We will not only chase away the Government but also take stern action again media personnel who support it."

He said the JVP was not against peace, but was against giving the LTTE everything it wants.

MP Mangala Samaraweera said that Government failed to meet the demands of the Muslim people in the East. He said the LTTE ship was destroyed on the orders of President and this clearly indicates that she still has powers.

MP Dinesh Gunawardana said that the Government has already betrayed the country to the LTTE. Illegal radio stations will help terrorists to increase propaganda, he added.

MP Ferial Ashraff said that although they extend their fullest co-operation for the peace the current peace process does not show any fruitful results. 

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