Govt ensures free, fair poll

Shirley WIJESINGHE

The Government will take all steps to ensure a free and fair election at the upcoming Presidential poll, Mass Media and Information Minister Anura Priya- darshana Yapa told the Cabinet press briefing yesterday. He said all responsible authorities have been instructed to ensure election laws are adhered during the election period.3

Minister Yapa strongly criticised a statement made by Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe in India that any explanations about the comment made by Sarath Fonseka that some LTTE surrendees were allegedly killed on Government orders, should be sought from Colombo.

He said Wickremesinghe was asking the Government to provide the background to this incident.

The statements made by Fonseka and Wickremesinghe on several occasions have been contradictory. These statements clearly mislead the people and tarnish the glory of military victory before the world community, he said.