Polls results prove masses had better grasp of ground realities - Prelate

Asela Kuruluwansa and Thilak Pushpakumara

The results of the Western Provincial Council elections has proved that the masses had a better grasp of present ground realities than some politicians and political parties, Maha Nayake of the Malwatte Chapter Siyam Nikaye, Most Ven. Tibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera said.

The Maha Nayake Thera also noted that it was time to unite, shedding petty political differences in supporting President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s endeavour in helping the people from the conflict ravaged north, which was also being backed by the international community.

While commending the support extended by the international community, the Maha Nayake Thera also said more foreigners should visit the country to get a first hand information on the prevailing ground realities without falling for false and malicious propaganda aired by LTTE proxies abroad.

The Maha Nayake Thera also called on the Government not to fall prey to pressure exerted by certain political parties, which were advocating the use of heavy weapons against the remaining Tigers, (which may also harm civilians held hostage) as this was a ploy to discredit the Government in the face of international community.

Addressing the visiting Nation Building Minister S. M. Chandrasena and a Korean donor delegation on Thursday, the Maha Nayake Thera alleged that the advocacy of heavy weapons which could also harm civilians who are being held hostage by the LTTE in the ‘safe zone’ was done, with the ulterior motive of undermining the Government internationally, at a time when its humanitarian mission to liberate civilians under the Tigers was coming to a successful conclusion.

“People who kept their mouths shut during the LTTE’s reign of terror are advocating the use of heavy weapons today, at a time when the Tigers are facing imminent defeat,” the Maha Nayake Thera said.