Water obstruction an insult to humanity - PM

Tigers have fully displayed its barbarism to the world

COLOMBO: Obstructing the water supply to thousands of Sinhala, Tamil and Muslims living in Seruwila is an insult to humanity and human values, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake said.

A common question asked by many was whether the Government had re-started the war, he said.

The Government wishes to categorically state that it had not started a war, the Prime Minister said.

Obstructing the water supply to thousands of Sinhala, Tamil and Muslims living in Seruwila is an insult to humanity and human values, he said.

It is the duty of a responsible Government to clear such obstructions and ensure the water supply which is the civilians' basic human right, the Prime Minister said.

Issuing a special communique in respect of the Mavilaru anicut which has been blocked by the LTTE terrorists, the Prime Minister said it is the duty of a Government not only to ensure water supplies to its people which is their fundamental right but also thwart any terrorist acts aimed at denying that right so essential for people for their drinking and agricultural purposes.

The Prime Minister said the achievement of the target had been difficult due to the concern for innocent human lives which may be lost in the limited operation.

"As our Security Forces are heroically marching towards the Mavilaru anicut, the Tiger terrorists facing defeat were trying to distract their attention to another area," he said.

The Prime Minister said: "That was why LTTE terrorists launched attacks targeting Muttur town. They also made an abortive attempt to destroy a naval craft transporting 850 unarmed soldiers."

The Prime Minister said the LTTE had now fully displayed its barbarism to the whole world.

"We have learnt lessons in the past from them. Our vital economic nerve centres are a constant target of the deranged terrorists. The Government had therefore strengthened security in Colombo city and its suburbs. Security had also been strengthened at power plants, banks, ports, airport, and media institutions such as Rupavahini and SLBC."

The Prime Minister said on behalf of the Government, he wished to make a fervent appeal to the people to act with patience and responsibility in the light of the current situation faced by the country.

Security arrangements by the Government to counter terrorist threats may cause some hindrance to their freedoms, he said.

The people should take it in their stride as everyone should make some contribution for the country and its cause, he said. The Prime Minister said once again he wished to reassure that the Government had not started another war and that it had only launched a limited operation against terrorists to clear obstructions to civilian life.

Thanking the Security Forces and Police personnel participating in the Mavilaru operation and others protecting the country on behalf of the Government, the Prime Minister requested the people of Serunuwara to remain calm and peaceful until the Government resolved their water issue.

"We should be mindful to minimise destruction to innocent human lives when facing the most dangerous terrorist outfit in the world," the Prime Minister said.