Political parties express satisfaction over APRC proposals
Political party representatives yesterday expressed their happiness
and satisfaction over the handing over of APRC proposals to end the
national question describing it as a historic occasion in the country at
a time the country was preparing to celebrate the 60th independence day.
EPDP leader Minister Douglas Devananda thanked President Mahinda
Rajapaksa for his bold initiative for the first time in post
independence Sri Lanka to devolve power as a solution to the national
question.
UNP Democratic Group leader Minister Karu Jayasuriya also hailed the
President for his commitment and determination to solve the national
question without passing that burden to another generation.
He said such a bold initiative will surely pave the way to dispel the
bad reflection on the country and the President has the resolve and
strength to fully eradicate terrorism from the country.
He also pointed out that steps should also be taken to conduct the
Eastern election in a fair manner.
SLFP General Secretary and Minister Maitripala Sirisena also
commended the President for taking an initiative to convene the All
Party Representative Committee to solve the national question.
National Congress leader Minister A.H.M. Athaulla also expressed his
happiness over the administration of the North and Eastern Provinces
separately.
NUA leader Minister Ferial Ashraff also thanked the President for
giving all political parties an opportunity to express their views on a
political solution to the national question. PA General Secretary D.M.
Jayaratne said it was a great victory for the masses that nearly all
political parties were able t come together to resolve the ethnic
conflict.
He said the proposals should be implemented and final peace achieved
for the benefit of all Lankans.
The MEP’s Somaweera Chandrasiri said the Eastern masses were already
benefiting as a result of the President’s leadership.
All parties must support his efforts to wipe out terrorism and
rebuild the nation.
Liberal Party Leader Kamal Nissanka said the 13th Amendment should be
implemented fully and more powers devolved to the provinces. The
President is firmly determined to protect the country’s national
security and territorial integrity.
Minister Champika Ranawaka said although they were opposed to the
provincial council system, the two PC’s in the North and East should
function effectively. The Forces would soon be able to liberate the
uncleared areas as well.
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