‘Give priority to country’

COLOMBO: Secretary-General of the Muslim National Alliance (MNA) Nazeer Ahamed in a media release said, “former Minister Mangala Samaraweera should listen to the advice of the Mahanayaka Thera of the Malwatte Chapter and think of the country as it confronts a crucial period in its history.

Any divisions at this point would only be to the detriment of the independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country.”

He said the people of the country might mistakenly believe former Minister Mangala Samaraweera was deliberately playing into the hands of the separatists. He is unwittingly, sending a wrong message to our valiant Armed Forces that are battling it out with the LTTE to protect the unity of the country. He pointed out Mangala Samaraweera’s unfounded allegations would have a terrible demoralising effect on them.

Nazeer Ahamed said he was personally aware of the sincere dedication with which the President was trying to bring an end to the conflict and usher in an era of peace and prosperity especially in the East of the country which has seen the worst of both the war and the tsunami. Nazeer Ahamed said the President had already identified the resources in the East and had a plan to be put in operation once durable peace was in place.

Significantly the East is expected to contribute 2% of the GDP once things get started there.

The Presidential Advisor urged the international community to support the Government in its efforts to end terrorism and to bring about peace and development in the country.