(D) Group condemns UNP decision to boycott National Day events
Rasika SOMARATHNA
The UNP (D) Group yesterday condemned the decision by the UNP
leadership to boycott the Independence Day celebrations as a treacherous
act at a time when the country was waging a second struggle to defeat
terrorism.
While describing the UNP as the cradle of the freedom struggle,
Agriculture Minister Hemakumara Nanayakkara said the present
anti-national stance of the UNP leadership was a slap in the face of
those leaders who spearheaded Sri Lanka’s freedom struggle.
Nanayakkara said the UNP supporters at the grassroots level was
appalled at the decision taken by the UNP leadership.
The decision also taken by the UNP leader on not to contest the
Eastern polls came in for heavy criticism by Nanayakkara as an act which
alienated UNP supporters in the area.
“From a party which represented all communities from all corners of
Sri Lanka, the UNP today has fallen to the depths of a party controlled
by a few aristocrats in Colombo 7,” he said
“At a time when we can see light at the end of the tunnel with regard
to defeating terrorism and with the Government coming out with a
political package to address the grievances of Tamils, the UNP’s role
should be one which supports the process without engaging in petty
politics,” the Minister said.
Nanayakkara said the APRC proposals should be considered as a
catalyst in finding a solution to the ethnic conflict, which should be
supported by all parties which envisage peace.
He added that UNP (D) group’s proposals were well received at the
APRC and the party would continue to support the Government’s efforts in
finding a viable solution to the ethnic conflict. |