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Ambalangoda special correspondent

"Granting autonomy to the Northern Community through a Federal System within a united Sri Lanka in accordance with the constitution is reasonable, said the Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Mahinda Wijesekera addressing a public rally held at Ambalangoda following the ceremonial commissioning of several fisheries projects of Ambalangoda and Balapitiya.

Referring to the importance of finding an early negotiated political solution to the ethnic conflict, he said in resolving a national issue consensus of all political parties were indispensable.

President should consider joining the UNF Government and not with JVP, he said. "We all should think as Sri Lankans and try to cooperate in nation building, forgetting all the differences at this critical moment of the political history of Sri Lanka,' he said. Sri Lanka should be considered as the motherland of all the communities living in it and all should be able to move peacefully anywhere in the country devoid of fear and suspicion, he said.

Referring to his political career he said for 10 years he was engaged in leftist political movements and another 20 years supported the SLFP. But under the leadership of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, effective governance could be found, he said.

President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga promised to bring prosperity and peace to the country but failed. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe within a short period of 1 1/2 years achieved what she could not achieve during her whole political career, he said.

As a result of unsustainable methods of fishing, ocean resources had fast depleted and all necessary legal action were taken against illegal methods of fishing, he said. A housing scheme for the displaced 35 fisher families who once lived on the beach stretch identified for the Fisheries Harbour of Ambalangoda was also ceremonially opened on this day.

While listening to the grievances of the fisher families, Minister Wijesekera admitted that the newly built houses were not suitable. He immediately instructed the relevant officials of the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources to take necessary action to further improve the housing project of Thagasgoda, Ambalangoda.

Galle district MPs Jayantha Jayaweera, Ananda Abeywickrama, Southern Provincial Councillors, Upali Sirisumana and Asoka Dhanawansa were among the speakers.

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