'Peace Accord aggravated terrorism'

W.T.J.S.Kaviratne Ambalangoda special corr.

The Peace Accord signed in 2002 between the UNP Government and the LTTE paved way for LTTE to emerge as a recognized movement. The previous regime should be held responsible for creating opportunities to elevate LTTE before it was totally eradicated by the Forces, Galle district SLFP Organizer and Presidential Coordinator Sajin Vas Gunawardena said.

He was speaking at a religious Program at Ambalangoda to invoke blessings on the President, Service Chiefs and the fallen war heroes.

Chanting of Pirith was followed by an alms giving to 1,500 monks from all temples in the Galle district by the Sajin Vas Foundation.

The LTTE with its self styled leaders and misguided youth held the state land illegally in the North and East challenging the territorial integrity of the democratically appointed government, while terrorizing the whole country, he said.

After assuming duties, President Mahinda Rajapaksa's Government took part in three rounds of peace talks. But when LTTE unilaterally kept away from peace talks the President realized peace could be achieved only through military means, he said. Amidst strong pressure by leading countries in the world, under the leadership of unwavering President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the valiant soldiers wiped out terrorism, he said.

Professor of the Ruhuna University Ven. Villegoda Ariyadeva Thera, delivering an Anusasana said the elimination of the LTTE could be considered as the biggest achievement of the Government.