Tsunami Relief Council - a bold step by the President: UNP MP

Matara Central Correspondent

The setting up of the Tsunami Relief Council aiming at providing relief to tsunami affected people in the North is a bold step taken by President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga to restore peace and harmony in the country, Matara District UNP MP Mahinda Wijesekera said.

The UNP and the SLFP should join together to form a new Government, the MP told journalists at a conference convened to express the UNP's future plans. The conference was held at the UNP headquarters at Devinuwara.

Wijesekera said the SLFP and the UNP should join together to form a new Government as a solution to the present political crisis.

"If discussions between President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe in this regard fails the dissolution of Parliament is the only alternative," Wijesekera said. Wijesekera said he was expressing these views with the Opposition Leader's consent.

"I take the full responsibility over this statement expressed by me. What is required today is a stable Government ensuring self-sufficiency in eliminating poverty and enriching each and every one economically," the MP said. "Holding a presidential election on due date is a must.

It is with that in view, the proposed Janabala Meheyuma will proceed to Colombo starting July 2 from the sacred city of Devinuwara," he said.