Govt will not accept JVP demands - Minister Sirisena

Chaminda Perera and Wellasse Bandara

The Government is not prepared to bow down to the JVP's demands to put off the provincial council election, said Agrarian Services and Agriculture Development Minister Maithripala Sirisena.

The Minister was speaking at a meeting at the Polonnaruwa District Secretariat. He said the proposed strike is aimed at crippling the Government's endeavour to eradicate terrorism and establish peace in the country.

The country is at an important crossroads and the Security Forces are relentlessly striving to secure a country free from terrorism and intimidation. What is required to day is to strengthen their hands without going for strikes, he said.

"The Government is engaged with one of the most ruthless terrorist outfits in the world and all parties should shed petty differences and support this. Strikes are not a panacea for all ills."