Ministers respond to Swaraj’s criticism of Eelam demand:

‘Sri Lankans uniting against division’

Good lesson on how Opposition should deal with national issues :

Rasika SOMARATHNA and Priyanka KURUGALA

Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena	Dinesh Gunawardane	Vinayagamurthi Muralitharan	A R M Cader

National unity is being cemented in Sri Lanka and its communities are for resolving their issues within the country on the basis of their collective efforts.Separatist and divisive politics have received a resounding slap in the face. These are some of the views which emerged when the Daily News sought the opinions of some ministers on Opposition Leader of the Indian Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj’s recent criticism of some Tamil Nadu political parties’ demand that a state of ‘Tamil Eelam’ be created in Northern Sri Lanka.

Addressing the fifth State Conference of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday she said TNA leader, R. Sampanthan, whom she met as leader of a parliamentary delegation that went to Sri Lanka recently to study the Tamils’ issue, emphasised that he wanted the Tamils to remain within a united Sri Lanka. He insisted only on a genuine political settlement, The Hindu reported.

‘When such a respected leader of the Tamils was for a political solution within a united Sri Lanka, why are some parties here raising the separatist issue?, she asked.

She insisted that the unity and integrity of Sri Lanka be respected the way India’s unity and integrity were respected.

Acting Media Minister and Deputy Minister for Economic Development,

Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene while welcoming Swaraj’s comments said Sri Lanka now stands united and there was no room for divisions.

He said that solutions to national issues would be found from within the country and this was the desire of the Tamil people and their political leaders as well. Also Swaraj who visited Sri Lanka recently with her delegation has given an example to others on how political parties should conduct themselves when dealing with nationally important issues while in opposition, he added. He noted that Swaraj by her comment’s has demonstrated that she has clearly understood the needs of the Tamil people in Sri Lanka and has risen to give it voice without seeking petty political mileage.

Deputy Minister for Resettlement Vinyagamoorthy Muralideran stated that Tamils in Sri Lanka do not desire Eelam and questioned why outsiders want to promote such a concept.

He hailed Swaraj’s comments on the matter. He said that the government headed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa has taken steps to rebuild the conflict affected areas, resettle the displaced people and bring peace, harmony and prosperity to the country. In this backdrop, he said, it was the responsibility of all politicians including Tamil political representatives to get together in strengthening this unity and prosperity.

Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardene said Swaraj in her comments has denounced extremist politics.

He said that her comments was a slap in the face of extremist elements who use the issue of Eelam only as a political tool.

He said that there is added significance in the fact that the Indian Opposition Leader made these comments after having gained first hand information and experience on the current situation in Sri Lanka after an extensive tour of the country with her delegation recently.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister for Environment Abdul Cader said that all communities in the country were enjoying peace and harmony since the defeat of terrorism. However, he said that there are yet some groups with vested interests who try to create divisions among communities for petty political gain. Swaraj’s comment he added, was an eye opener for such people and groups.

He said that irrespective off differences people should rally round the government led by President Rajapaksa to preserve and further expand the unity and progress the country has achieved in the post-conflict era.