"There is protest by one political party that intends establishing relations with the PA, demanding to destroy the Ceasefire Agreement to send the Nowegian mediators and the ceasefire monitoring committee out of the country, not realising that the ultimate result of destroying the Ceasefire Agreement would be a ruthless war once again which is totally rejected by all sections of society that suffered the consequences of the war for almost two decades.

These are the policies presented to the people by a responsible political party and if by chance they come into power the situation could be serious, said Prof. G. L. Peiris, Minister of Enteprise Development, Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion, Minister of Constitutional Affairs at a ceremony commencing community service activities organised to coincide with the "Udanaya" programme to provide legal aid and awareness organised by the Ministry of Constitutional Affairs at Rajasinghe National School in Kotikawatte.

The minister presented 50 sewing machines to 50 women falling within the low income group for self-employment purposes, 15 wheelchairs to the disabled, 300 pairs of spectacles, sports equipment worth one lakh of rupees to sports clubs and housing loans in the range of Rs. 60,000 to 100,000 to 40 persons. Simultaneously held were dental and medical clinics.

All of which were jointly sponsored by the Ministry of Social Services, Ministry of Health Services and the Housing Development Finance Corporation connected to the Ministry of Housing, Janaka Mallimarachchi, Member of Provincial Council and UNP Organiser for Kolonnawa district were present. Minister Peiris laid the foundation stone for reconstruction out of his decentralised budget of the community center "Kelani Nadhee Gama" now in a very poor condition, which was initially constructed by the late Weerasinghe Mallimarachchi during President Premadasa's time. There was also a lecture delivered by Shiral Laktilleke of the Ministry of Constitutional Affairs under the theme "the Current Peace Process and Political Challenges" for provincial members and public servants.

Prof. Peiris said the Ceasefire Agreement can be destroyed but what is the reason behind it for the people now enjoying peace in the country for a continuous 19 months? It is definitely because of the Ceasefire Agreement. In 1995 there was a Ceasefire Agreement from January 8 to April 19. At that time there was no experience or skilled government to act as mediator.

Even this time we are experiencing difficulties and problems almost every week which is quite normal. No one should expect a problem that prevailed in the past 50 years and a war that was existent for 20 years to be ended just overnight. There are many problems and Norway is mediating. Recently the Prime Minister and we toured the Polonnaruwa villages and discussed the problems faced by them.

Although there were problems in the areas of provision of fertiliser, agriculture, water, behaviour of forest conservation officers, Samurdhi facilities, etc., the villagers explained the trauma they had to undergo during the war, having to carry their infants to the jungles for hiding. Their lives were at risk not knowing whether they would live to witness the next sunrise. Although many have forgotten the fear, suffering and tough times, the people in the Polonnaruwa area will always remember them.

They very sincerely and genuinely expressed their gratitude to the government for having created a situation in which they could spend their nights and days together as families. These are the people who really enjoy peace. Some of those in Colombo who will just talk, will never face the situation experienced by those innocent villagers.

Provincial Council Member, Janaka Mallimarachchi thanked Prof. G. L. Peiris for taking steps to reconstruct the Kelani Nadhi Gama Community Center constructed by his father. "On behalf of the people of this area I also thank Minister Peiris for having discussed with Minister Tilak Marapana and obtained Rs. 550 million for reconstruction of the Kelani Bridge, the work on which had come to a halt. The quality of life of the people here will definitely improve with the construction of this bridge. One lady told me that she abandoned the idea of selling her property here with a good news that the area is going to be developed," he said.