TNA committed to Lanka's sovereignty - Sri Kantha

Uditha KUMARASINGHE and Irangika RANGE

TNA Jaffna District MP N. Sri Kantha told Parliament yesterday all democratic forces should initiate a dialogue to find a political solution without waiting for the outcome of the next Presidential Election.

Sri Kantha was expressing his party's stand on President Mahinda Rajapaksa's recent statement made to the 'The Hindu' newspaper that he will bring a political solution after the next Presidential Election. The TNA understands the political constrains encountered by the President, he said.

The recent meeting of the All Party Committee on Development and Reconciliation was a correct move to resolve the national problem which has claimed the lives of thousands of innocent people across the ethnic divide.

Sri Kantha said there are many common aspects which pave the way to unite these communities rather than divide them.

"When I mention our people, the meaning of our people does not stand only for Tamils or Muslims. It includes our own Sinhala brethren as well." "We have a common cultural and religious background. Buddhism and Hinduism have many equal practices. We can also find Christians in both Sinhala and Tamil communities. The mother tongue of some Muslims is also Tamil. This is a community which links the Sinhalese and Tamils in the South."

He said the TNA like any other political parties respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka. Therefore, the majority community should not have any doubt on the TNA. The TNA will also join hands with other communities to safeguard the territorial integrity of Sri Lanka. "During our past history, there are many occasions where we have fought together to protect our Motherland. "Therefore, why cannot we unite now?" he asked.