US would help Lanka fight terror- Kosala Tantula

Sarath Malalasekera

America advocates a policy against terror. Due to the recent global development America would very willingly work with any country seeking peace. It was America which took the first step in proscribing the LTTE, said Kosalya International (USA) and Officechum Inco. CEO Kosala G. Tantula.

Tantula who is domiciled in Washington DC, left our shores to London as an accounting student in the late sixties and then proceeded to USA in 1975 where he has established himself in the accounting field as a Srilankan American.

Kosala Tantula, visiting Sri Lanka, told the Daily News that President Mahinda Rajapaksa has done reasonably well under difficult circumstances.

The President was elected with a mandate to resolve the ethnic conflict. President Rajapaksa has very openly stated that he prefers a political solution to the ethnic problem.

The military is doing what it has to do, but there is no precedence of a military solution to a problem like this, he said.

Tantula emphasised that one should not forget the fact that it was America which took the first step in proscribing the LTTE. It is a good opportunity for Sri Lanka to get American assistance in achieving peace.

Asked about the political situation in Sri Lanka, Tantula said most Lankan political leaders are capable individuals but unfortunately, some of them have, in the past, made erroneous judgements.

It is very natural to make wrong judgements, but the important thing is to learn from those mistakes and take correct decisions in the future.

"A National Government representing all major political parties is the need of the hour. It will be very productive for the country.

Accounting and Banking specialists have emphasised that the Banking structure has to be strengthened with proper controls.

Laws have to be tightened although temporary measures such as the issuance of Bonds will help in the short run. If the funds are not properly utilised there can be long term problems," he said.