UNP strengthened Tigers - Minister

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

The United National Party (UNP) will never be able to run away from the responsibility of strengthening the LTTE through the ceasefire. The Opposition Leader is trying to distract the public and direct attention towards another direction to cover up the internal crisis he is facing and repeated defeats, Information and Media Minister and Cabinet Spokesman Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said.

He was addressing the weekly Cabinet press briefing at the Government Information Department Auditorium yesterday. Minister Yapa said the UNP has always strengthened the LTTE.

In a book writen by Bradman Weerakoon it is stated how the then President provided arms to the LTTE without informing the armed forces, the Indian Peace Keeping Force or the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka. The Opposition Leader has to put his own house in order before challenging others, the Minister said.

Minister Yapa said that everyone knows the history of ceasefire in Sri Lanka. All historical `ceasefires' and `agreements' ended up in disasters and colonialising the country, he said.

"The UNP strengthened the LTTE. The LTTE was given an administrative area. No armed force member was allowed to LTTE held areas but the LTTE was allowed to freely move into Government held areas. They were allowed to set up new camps in areas such as Sampur. The LTTE was allowed to collect money from the public, using the A9 road. They were introduced to the donors by the Government. How did the LTTE acquire modern and deadly arms such as anti-aircraft arms, multi barrel guns, rocket launchers?" the Minister questioned.

"The LTTE was also given a television and a radio station. The Government Information Department issued the permission within one day and the relevant file is still securely stored in the Department," the Minister said.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa did not agree to any type of ceasefire. The SLFP never agreed to divide the country and a ceasefire.

The LTTE and its era is over now. Operations are over and therefore the accusation in connection with shelling is not valid any longer. The Government is aware of the presence of civilians and therefore do not attack them in any way, the Minister added.

Minister Yapa said the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) did not approve or take part in any type of killings in the past and it is same in the present and future.

It was SLFP members who got killed. When a police investigation is going on, no one can point a finger on anyone for a murder. The Government has never taken the law into its hands and will not interfere with any investigation," he said.