Threats on President's life continue - Minister

Uditha KUMARASINGHE and Irangika RANGE

Leader of the House, Health Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva told Parliament yesterday attempts on the life of President Mahinda Rajapaksa still continue despite moves taken by the Government to defeat the LTTE militarily.

Speaking during the debate to extend emergency, Minister de Silva said Security Forces had recovered several claymore mines from the venue where the President's helicopter landed when he addressed a public rally at Badulla during the election campaign for the Uva Provincial Council election.

"These incidents clearly demonstrate that there are various threats to the President's life even now. Those who cannot defeat the President in a democratic manner or through a people's mandate want to have him assassinated to gain their narrow political goals," the Minister said.

The Minister also accused several elements of attempting indirectly to assist the assassination of the President by canvassing for the lifting of Emergency.

Minister de Silva said President Rajapaksa is a great leader who took bold moves to defeat the over three decades old LTTE terrorism thus setting an example to the entire world. "Therefore steps should be taken to safeguard great leaders like the President and other political leaders in the country as well."

Minister de Silva said the Government has justifiable reasons for the extension of Emergency despite the end of military operations against the LTTE.

It is essential to extend the Emergency to sweep away the remnants of terrorism in the country. Therefore, the Opposition should understand that the Government's intention to extend Emergency is not to gain any narrow political objective, he said.

"There are some people who are ready to betray even their self-respect for money. Our intelligence sources have revealed some LTTE members are hiding in welfare camps. Therefore law and order should be implemented against those who have acted to disrupt peace," he added.