Opponents will understand the importance of P-TOMS

Gampaha South Group Correspondent

Minister of Constitutional Affairs and National Integration D. E. W. Gunasekara addressing a meeting held at Gampaha to the representatives of SLFP Central Committees in Gampaha, Mahara, Mirigama and Attanagalla electorates said the Post Tsunami Operational Management Structure agreement has been drafted with skill and fairness to all communities and also that it will not violate the country's financial regulations.

The critics should understand that unless the government implemented the Tsunami Relief Council proposals there was every possibility for International Community to provide funds directly to North East to rebuild the affected areas. If it happened the LTTE would have the opportunity for direct dealings with the international donor countries.

In the Ceasefire Agreement with UNF government LTTE referred to Sri Lanka as an island in the Indian Ocean. But signing of P-TOMS agreement had, for the fist time they recognized the Sri Lanka government.

The oppositions trying to mislead the people to gain power should understand that the "P-TOMS" agreement signed by the government would receive Rupees 3.5 billion to rehabilitate the affected areas. We should not forget that 90 per cent of funds were outright grants and the government also has to follow their relief funds granting procedures.

President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has taken commendable decision to sign the "P-TOMS" agreement with the consultation of the religious leaders and other relevant intellectuals.

Minister Gunasekera said Tsunami Relief Council agreement is not a devil as some says. It will not divide the country. All critics will understand the importance of the agreement once it is implemented.

This meeting was organized by the Deputy Minister of Public Administration and Home Affairs Pandu Bandaranayaka. Former MP S.D. Bandaranayake also participated. Deputy Minister Pandu Bandaranayaka, Francis Kuruvita Arachchi, Sarath Handunge, R. Nikapitiya and Sudath Imbulgoda also addressed the meeting.