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by Rajmi Manatunga

President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga is considering a possible de-merger of the North- East Province as a step towards eliminating the present violence against Muslims and Sinhalese in the East, the Presidential Media Spokesman Harim Peiris said yesterday.

He said that the President's decision to give 'serious consideration' to the proposal of de-merging the North-East was a response to the numerous complaints forwarded to her by community leaders, religious dignitaries and civilians of the East. "The President believes that the security of Muslims and Sinhalese living in the East is extremely important.

People from the East have constantly complained to her that their security is not taken care of and that it is not possible for them to submit themselves to an administration which kills Muslims and destroys Buddhist religious places," Peiris told a press conference.

According to him , the President has already closely studied the proposal from civil society representatives that the two provinces which came under one Governor in 1987 following the Indo-Lanka accord should be demerged, if the present violent situation continues in the East.

"The President discussed the proposal with advisory committees, experts and examined their input before deciding to consider its implementation." Asked about the procedure to be followed by the President if she chooses to demerge the North East Province , Peiris said that it will not be a recommendation to the Government since the latter has already failed to provide security to people in the East. "There are various legal and constitutional means to accomplish such an act and the demerging will be accompanied by other security measures to ensure that the civilian rights of the people of the east are protected," he said.

Emphasising that this was not going to obstruct the peace process, the Presidential Media spokesman said that the real obstacle to the peace initiative was what is happening today in the Eastern province.

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