Left political, TU leaders call for TRC establishment

LEFTIST political leaders and trade union leaders are calling for the immediate establishment of the Tsunami Relief Council (TRC). They have pledged their fullest support to this endeavour.

In interviews with the Daily News, they said extremist groups should no longer be allowed to stifle the view of the majority of the people that the ethnic conflict should be settled through negotiations. This was a golden opportunity in that direction.

Acting General Secretary of the LSSP Wimalasiri de Mel said:" We are representing the interests of the minorities. The Government must not give in to extremists. It should implement this proposal regardless of actions of hostile forces."

Deputy General Secretary of the Communist Party S. Sudasinghe:" The TRC should be established without delay. We must not forget that Northern communal organisations were created as a result of actions by communal-minded elements in the South.

The TRC will lead to a close rapport between the Government and the LTTE. Those who oppose the TRC are actually paving the way for Eelam."

NSSP General Secretary Wickramabahu Karunaratne:" It is important to involve the LTTE in civil adminstration. It could help in the recommencement of negotiations. Communal views should be defeated and the TRC established."

Democratic Left Front leader Vasudeva Nanayakkara:" The TRC is a democratic institution. If we cannot achieve unity between communities, division will be inevitable. The international community has endorsed this mechanism. People have rejected communal acts. All should support the establishment of the TRC."

Deputy General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya:"We pledge our fullest support to the Tsunami Relief Council. Trade Unions are coming together to express their support to the TRC."

Government Services Trade Unions Federation Chairman H. Piyadasa: "The TRC should be established without delay. The President must be commended for taking this decision without bowing to extremist elements. This problem could have been solved easily in 1958, but communal-minded elements blocked it."