Government announcement on newspaper report

THE attention of the Government has been drawn to news item titled; 'LTTE link objects to new Minister' which appeared in the Sunday Times on January 29, 2006. This news item creates a wrong impression among the public and relevant parties.

The Government categorically denies and clearly states that there is no such request or influence to keep the Rehabilitation and Development Authority (RADA) under the purview of the President.

However, taking into consideration the importance of the institution, the President has decided that the RADA will continue to be under his control as it currently is.

The Government emphasizes that this news item may lead to the hampering of the sincere efforts taken by the President to bring peace to the country.