All should support Joint Mechanism - Tyronne

The proposed "Joint Mechanism" was aimed at carrying out development work in the coastal areas of the North and East and it was not in any way an attempt to divide the country, North East Governor Tyronne Fernando said yesterday.

Speaking over Rupavahini, Governor Fernando said that all should support the move. "There are special areas coming under the control of the LTTE like the Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi districts and some parts of Trincomalee and Batticaloa. It will immensely help people living under the Tigers and they would feel relieved if there is some sort of authority to get the LTTE involved in the relief work," he said.

He added that if the LTTE was ready and willing to work under the legitimate government of Sri Lanka, it was something really good.

"They are not trying to join India or any other country, but with a legitimate government in this country.

We all must see that such a machinery is put into proper operation. It is not something operative for a separate state. It is a humanitarian problem, North East Governor Fernando added.