Ranil’s claim a joke - Minister

RASIKA SOMARATHNA

The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) yesterday dismissed Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe’s recent statement, that the Ceasefire Agreement helped the present military gains in the North, as a political joke.

In fact according to all accounts the LTTE had used the CFA to bolster their strength, SLFP General Secretary, Minister Maithripala Sirisena said at a UPFA media briefing.

Describing the Kilinochchi victory as a historical feat, the Minister noted that the UNP’s inability to give due credit to the Security Forces and the Government for the effort, clearly showed its lack of sense and bankruptcy.

The Minister pointed out that Ranil Wickremesinghe on several occasions had used local and international platforms to voice his assertion, that the LTTE could not be defeated militarily. And on this occasion Forces had proved him wrong.

Pointing out to certain media reports which said that the Congress Party of India had requested Sri Lanka to hand over Prabhakaran, if captured alive, to stand trial for crimes he has committed on Indian soil, the Minister said that this had clearly indicated India’s stand on the issue.

But as the main Opposition of the country, it was sad to note that the UNP had failed to issue even a media statement, with regard to the Kilinochchi victory, the Minister added.

Meanwhile, Wimal Weerawansa, MP of the NFF said that various parties were trying to undermine and divert attention from the military victories, with various sabotage attempts in the South.

While condemning yesterday’s attack on the “Sirasa” TV complex in Pannipitiya, the MP said that the culprits behind the move should be exposed as soon as possible, as this was one such incident, which could be used as a tool to divert public attention.

The LTTE and its stooges were attempting such tactics as cover up for their defeats in the North and also to prevent further victories which could pave way for unprecedented communal harmony and prosperity in the country, the MP added.

Minister Hemakumara Nanayakkara of the UNP (D) ridiculed the attempt by the UNP to organise public agitation campaigns over the cost of living issue, at a time the whole country was rejoicing the Kilinochchi victory. He also said that such attempts could also create dissension within society which could lead to clashes among groups.

UPFA General Secretary Minister, Susil Premajayantha said that like the East, North too would soon be liberated from Tiger clutches, and democratic governance through the Provincial Council system would be installed similar to the East as soon as possible.