Top priority should be given to peace process - Mahanayake Thera

BY L. B. WIJAYASIRI in Kandy

MOST Ven. Thibbotuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Mahanayake Thera of the Malwatta Maha Vihara Chapter said that all concerned should make an effort to find a solution to the ethnic conflict, and the LTTE should refrain from taking provocative steps in violation of the Cease Fire agreement.

Most Ven. Mahanayake Thera made those observations when Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake called on him at the former's official Aramaya in Kandy.

Prime Minister Wickremanayake visited the Dalada Maligawa earlier and paid homage to the Sacred Toot Relic and received blessings on his assuming the office of Prime Minister, Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela Bandara was also present.

The Prime Minister called on the Most Ven. Udugama Sri Ratnapala Buddharakkhitha Mahanayake Thera of the Asgiriya Maha Vihara Chapter and received his blessings.

At Malwatte the Most Ven. Sumangala Mahanayake Thera said that they first should come to a consensus as to which country peace talks between the government and the LTTE should be held. An adamant attitude on any part involved would not help find a solution.

In todays context top priority should be given to the peace process. It is very clear that President Mahinda Rajapakse was getting the support of other political parties in the South inclusive of the UNP, in his efforts to a chief peace. It was a very good sign.

The Mahanayake Thera emphasised that the government should take all possible steps to ensure that the support of the UNP is forthcoming and it is the duty of the UNP to lend its to seek a final solutions.

The government has not neglected or deviated from the efforts being made to usher in peace through consensus. The LTTE should refrain from creating trouble.

Creating problems that would harm the government's sincere efforts to bring about peace could not be condoned. Such activities are unwarranted and unsuitable he added.

The prelate added that the Maha Sangha and himself felt that President Rajapakse was getting ready to create a good governance in the country.

Mahinda Chintanaya would fulfil many expectation of the people. He lauded the issue of fertilizer at Rs. 350 per 50 kg bag which would be a boon to the farmer.