LTTE not keen on N-E civilians’ welfare

Attack on ship carrying essentials to Jaffna

Rajmi Manatunga

COLOMBO: The LTTE's cowardly attack on a ship carrying essential items for Jaffna civilians proves beyond doubt that they are not interested in the welfare of the people of the North and East, Disaster Relief Services Minister Ameer Ali said. Commenting on Sunday's attack which injured a civilian and damaged the 'City of Liverpool' chartered to transport essential items to the North, Ali said it was clear that the LTTE's intention was to thwart the Government's commitment to ensure the welfare of the Northern people.

"It was the LTTE who caused a furore that the people in Jaffna are suffering due to the shortage of essential items. But when the Government sends food and other commodities to the people by sea, they attack the ships carrying them. This paradox amply explains the mala fides of the LTTE," he said.

Commenting on Sunday's LTTE attack, Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) leader V. Anandasangaree said the LTTE having failed in all its campaigns to deceive the international community, is now engaged in a desperate effort to save its face.

"During the last few months, the LTTE tried hard to convince the international community that the people in Jaffna are starving due to the Government's disregard. But reports from the North, especially during the Pongal festival clearly indicated that there is no shortage of essential commodities in the peninsula". Sangaree said the LTTE was now trying different methods to create a shortage in the North and cause misery among the people, being thoroughly disappointed with the failure of its false propaganda campaign.

"This incident goes on to prove that Prabhakaran is all out to annihilate the Tamil people. It is time for the international community to say 'enough' and take appropriate action against the LTTE and for Sri Lankan leaders to get together and work towards peace," he added.

Social Welfare and Social Services Minister Douglas Devananda vehemently condemning the attack on the 'City of Liverpool' said the cowardly attack showed the real face of the LTTE to the world. "The ship brought food and other essential items to the people of Jaffna. By attacking it the LTTE has once again confirmed that it is only an anti-social outfit. It is incongruous how they could create a hue and cry over the plight of the Northern civilians while committing such atrocities".

The Minister who is also the leader of the Eelam People's Democratic Party urged the international community to take tangible action against the LTTE and bring it to the negotiating table.