Certain groups conspiring against country - Fr. Sarath Hettiarachchi

Chaminda Perera and Attapattu Bandara

Co chairman of the Inter Religious Alliance for National Unity Fr. Sarath Hettiarachchi yesterday said that a certain group of people backed by International Non Government Organizations is conspiring against the country when it is on the right track for development after 30 years of protracted war. He said that these elements are acting with ulterior motives to reverse the achievements made by the country in the aftermath of the conflict.

Fr. Hettiarachchi added that the country has achieved tremendous progress in almost all sectors and these elements want to deter this progress by creating disputes between communities and among the working masses. He said that those who talk about human rights did not raise their voice when hundreds of Buddhist monks were brutally killed by terrorists in Aranthalawa.

He was of the view that stern action should be taken against those who conspire against the country.

'Sri Lankans underwent a gruesome era due to the terrorist conflict. The parents had to keep vigil at their children's school for fear of terrorist attacks. The terrorists targetted civilians and thousands of people died in bomb blasts, he added.

Fr Hettiarachchi noted that Sri Lankans should not forget the past when they were living in fear of LTTE terrorists. He said that these elements are trying to tarnish the country's image internationally by hatching various conspiracies.

'Some trade unions and media organizations are attempting to create political instability by causing turmoil. This move is driven by both anti-government political groups and extremist groups backed by some Western countries, Public Service Trade Union Federation chairman W.H.Piyadasa said.

'The accusation that there is a tangible oppression against trade unions and media is totally baseless.

'There are a number of newspapers carrying news against and for the government. The increase in the number of newspapers is a symbol of the media freedom of any country, he added.

'Unlike in the past, trade union leaders can directly meet President Mahinda Rajapaksa which is a clear indication that there is a flexible political leadership in the country that listens to the problems of trade unions. Former leaders never gave any opportunity for trade union leaders to meet them.

"Nobody can prove that the government is suppressing the media and trade unions. This is a conspiracy with a sinister agenda, he explained.

"Certain sections of the media give extensive coverage to these efforts which could harm the prevailing peaceful atmosphere" he said.