Those stirring division in Govt help LTTE - Prelates

Asela KURULUWANSA and Mohammed Naalir

COLOMBO: At a time when President Mahinda Rajapaksa is making a genuine endeavour to obtain the support of all parties to make the Government stable to bring about a lasting solution to the North and East problem, if anyone attempts to cause internal divisions within the Government, that tantamounts to indirectly serving the LTTE's separatist cause, Most Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Mahanayaka Thera, Mahanayaka of the Malwatte Chapter said yesterday.

Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Mahanayaka Thera said even senior members of the United National Party approved steps taken by the President to strengthen the Government.

"Therefore in the present context, Ministers should act with the interest of the country at heart instead of obstructing the President's path for petty gain. Protecting the Government in power is the responsibility of the Ministers. If there are any differences of opinion, they can be ironed out by discussion," the Mahanayaka Thera said.

Ven. Hunuhelagama Vajira Sri Thera, senior Member of the Executive Committee of the Asgiriya Chapter, who is in charge of the Maligawa Thewawa, said nobody has the right to scuttle the President's programme on the score of losing a share of one's privileges.

"The country's welfare should take priority over personal positions and benefits. Such things must be forfeited in the country's interest," the Thera said.

Ven. Aluthgama Dhammananda Thera, a senior member of the Executive Committee of the Malwatta Chapter said if someone wants to weaken the Government by not voting for the extension of Emergency Regulations, because some Ministers had to sacrifice a share of Ministerial portfolios in favour of the UNP dissident group who joined the Government, the Maha Sangha cannot agree with such conduct.

Ven. Professor Warakawe Dhammaloka Thera, Lekakadhikari of the Asgiriya Chapter said if any Minister abstains from voting at the Emergency Regulations Extension Motion, that is a grave misdemeanour in view of the ongoing conflict.

"We thoroughly condemn any move to scuttle President Mahinda Rajapaksa's endeavour to achieve peace with the support of all parties. At this moment we bless and support the President who is going ahead with the peace process surpassing the efforts of any leader in our political history," the Thera added.

Moulavi Mubarak Abdul Majeed condemned the conduct of certain Government members who harm the prospects of peace by their ill advised moves at a time the President should be given all support he needed to bring about a solution to the national question.