Rescue operation:

PLOTE thanks President

The PLOTE yesterday lauded President Mahinda Rajapaksa on his leadership that ensured the liberation on civilians held captive by the LTTE and also the military for accomplishing a mission which military experts in the world thought was not possible.

Writing to President Rajapaksa, Head of the PLOTE and DPLF Dharmalingam Sithadhan said "it is with a sense of relief that we heard that under your leadership the Armed Forces are now in the process of successfully releasing thousands of hostages held by the LTTE within the "Safe Zone".

The PLOTE Chief among other things has asked the President to separate all lay persons from the religious who are housed in the same compound adding this was specially important in the case of Hindu priests.

They(the Hindu) priests and their families are not expected to eat meals cooked by persons outside their own family circle.

"If these priests are given their own cooking facilities they will be able to cook their own food," the letter notes.

I have confidence that, even though there are certain short-comings at the IDP camps, you will ensure these unfortunate people will be given the best care possible in these circumstances.

"We understand providing medical, food and other facilities to over a hundred thousand displaced people who have lost everything except their lives, is an enormous task.

While appreciating the enormity of this undertaking, I suggest resettling these people in their homes and villages at the earliest possible time, is the only way to help them restart their lives in freedom after a long period of time", the letter adds.