UNP allowed LTTE to roam freely - Minister

Shirley Wijesinghe

The UNP Government had closed down all possible avenues that were available to trace the LTTE terrorist suspects and they were set free to roam in the South and engage in terrorist activities, said Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Felix Perera.

The LTTE took maximum benefit from this unwanted freedom and killed thousands of innocent people, he added.

He was addressing the fishing community in Hikkaduwa, Dodanduwa and Rathgama at an event organized to explain the development of the area.

Minister Perera said fishermen in the North as well as South were unable to engage in fishing due to terrorist activities. Their life pattern was dramatically affected by terrorism and they were helpless. They had never thought of returning to their normal life pattern again, he said.

The Minister said in the past fishermen had been victimized only through natural disasters. But a number of fishermen had been detained and killed by the LTTE. All human rights activists were silent then over the violation of human rights of innocent fishermen.

Peace is needed not only for holding elections. It is an essential need of a country for economic stability and for the benefit of future generations, the Minister stressed.

The Government has a clear vision to develop the country.

He said the Government has provided more infrastructure facilities to the people of Rathgama, Hikkaduwa and Dodanduwa area.

Referring to the forthcoming provincial council election the Minister said the Government believes there will be a positive response to its development work.