Forces determined to eradicate terrorism - PM

Uditha Kumarasinghe, Irangika Range and Sandasen Marasinghe

Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake told Parliament yesterday that the valiant war heroes were moving forward with determination to eradicate LTTE terrorism by creating an environment conducive to all communities to live in peace and harmony.

The Premier commencing the Emergency debate, said the three Armed Forces have been able to achieve great victories in the battlefront due to their clear understanding on war and politics as two different aspects.

"Therefore, I request the people not to underestimate the country's prime need with politics. Everybody should join hands at this decisive juncture irrespective of political differences. We should rally round with one goal to bring victory to our motherland," he said.

The Prime Minister said the Government was moving ahead with the military operations launched to free the country from terrorism.

"The Government while launching these military operations have also taken a series of measures for the welfare of the people in the North. As one of the key measures, steps have been taken to provide essential commodities to the people in these areas," he said.

Prime Minister Wickramanayake said certain elements were attempting to assist terrorists and provide them equipment.

"Certain war equipment hidden inside containers of good convoy were recovered due to alert Security Forces. Therefore, it is clear that certain people do not want to eradicate terrorism from the country. These people also intend to obstruct relief services sent to the people in the North with the intention of disappointing the people," he said.

"Can't a democratically elected Government act to settle the internal crisis created within that independent State? The sole intention of all citizens is to live in peace. People are dreaming for the dawn of peace. Our Armed Forces are marching forward with determination to make this dream a reality."

"Once the country is free from terrorism, any political debate can be made and any political party can fight to gain power. At this juncture, any move should not be taken without leading the country to another crisis situation," the Prime Minister said.

The extension of emergency facilitates to strengthen moves taken to prevent various terrorist activities, he said.

The Prime Minister said LTTE terrorists were using various strategies without respecting even international war conventions.

The LTTE is using poisonous gas to attack Armed Forces. Therefore terrorists have no intention to come to the peace process by giving up arms.

From September 1 to October 1, 200 Armed Forces and Police Personnel have died due to terrorist activities. In addition, 997 Armed Forces and Police personnel have been injured. Thirteen civilians have been killed while 29 civilians have been injured during this period, he added.