Time to unite and end terrorism - Minister Anura Priyadarshana
Yapa
Rasika SOMARATHNA
Media and Information Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa responding to
several Opposition allegations over the Anuradhapura bomb blast which
claimed the life of Major General Janaka Perera and 28 others, said this
was not the time for recrimination or finger pointing but to seek the
root cause of the problem and take effective steps to eradicate it.
While claiming that LTTE was the only organisation which was capable
of such a dastardly act, the Minister said no attempts should be made to
whitewash the Tigers and throw it a life line, as it faces imminent and
certain defeat.
All political parties supporting democracy should unite and join
hands with the Government to once and for all rid Sri Lanka of the
scourge of terrorism, the Minister told a media briefing to announce
Cabinet decisions yesterday.
The failed attempt on the life of Minister Maithripala Sirisena by a
suicide bomber yesterday too demonstrated this fact that the LTTE's
intention was to wreak havoc in other areas to divert attention.
Commenting on UNP allegations of a hidden hand behind the attack
pointing towards the TMVP, the Minister said the metamorphosis of a
section of the LTTE, which was previously committed to the dismemberment
of the Sri Lankan State, renouncing violence and embracing democracy
should not be discouraged but should be encouraged. With regard to the
UNP request for an international probe, Minister Yapa said saw no need
for such an attempt as the local Police was capable in solving the
matter, but the Defence Ministry and Foreign Ministry would take a final
decision on such an outcome if necessary.
With regard to the security arrangements at the event, the Minister
said the UNP had not requested Police for any such requirement according
to his knowledge.
However the UNP had submitted a request asking Police to help in
traffic handling matters which was obliged by authorities by sending
four officials, he added.
However the Government has initiated a full probe with regard to the
incident and the truth would be known eventually, he said. |
