National problem:

Minister challenges UNP

Ananda KANNANGARA

Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeyawardena yesterday challenged the main Opposition UNP to submit their proposals for a political solution to end the long-standing national crisis even at this juncture before providing the two thirds majority to the Government to introduce a new Constitution.

Referring to the statement made by UNP MP Lakshman Kiriella on the UNP’s promise to support to introduce a new Constitution, Abeyawardena said that such a proposal would have been brought before long, as the Government has now crippled the power of the LTTE while winning the hearts of the international community.

Addressing a media briefing in Colombo, Minister Abeyawardena thanked the main opposition UNP for its promised support to provide a two thirds majority to introduce a new Constitution.

He, however said that if an election is held, the Government will get a five sixth majority in view of last week’s Provincial Council Election results.

He deploved the UNP’s non participation at the All Party Representative Conference (APRC) and said that it was the best opportunity for the UNP to make their proposals to end the crisis.

Abeyawardena further said all successive political leaders who ruled the country for years and years were under the impression that the LTTE was one of the most dangerous terrorist movements in the world that cannot be defeated easily.

“But, President Mahinda Rajapaksa changed this attitude by saving a large number of civilians from the LTTE grip while winning the goodwill of neighbouring India and Tamil Nadu. The Minister also assured that the remaining civilians who are still under LTTE custody in Mullaitivu will be released soon and thereafter the Forces will wipe out the LTTE from these areas completely.

He said even the United Nations Humanitarian Affairs Chief John Holmes who is currently in the country has urged the LTTE to release civilians to Government controlled areas.

He also said Holmes saw for himself how the Government treat the displaced persons at the safe camps in Vavuniya.

“After bringing peace to a large number of areas which were freed from the LTTE during the past few months, more than 106,000 acres of paddy lands at Karadiyanaru in Thoppigala have now been cultivated.

He further said the Government provides all assistance including food, medicine and shelter to IDPs until they are resettled.