Government unaffected by Udayan's baseless allegations - Maj.Gen Boniface Perera

Ridma Dissanayake

Udayan newspaper has published another news item which sparks communal hatred, as part of their attempt to create racial disharmony in Sri Lanka. It said that Sri Lanka is subjected to international disrepute continuously due to the government's oppression of minorities.

Udayan said there is a political arm behind religious organizations such as "Bodu Bala Sena". The government has not yet made any attempt to solve the ethnic problem, they criticized.

Commenting on this report, Vanni Security Forces Commander and Officer-in-Charge of Displaced Persons Major General Boniface Perera said: "When we look at these facts we can clearly see that these allegations are baseless."

The Attorney-General and other bodies attached to the legal sector has already issued statements proving the legality of the government's method in taking action regarding murders and missing persons.

The government has not prevented trade unions or any organization to hold protests or demonstrations against the government. At present all parts of the country are experiencing and enjoying peace gained by the government, Major General Boniface Perera said.

At present, several media institutes such as Udayan are making false allegations towards the government. But the government is not affected by them, he said.

In such a situation as this, how can people say there is no freedom of speech, Boniface questioned. The government is always vigil about activities of religious organizations including 'Bodu Bala Sena'. Certain ministers have criticized their activities. President Mahinda Rajapaksa has also urged the public not get involved in things which can cause a rupture in peace and harmony prevailing in the country, he said.

Security and legal sectors are ready to take legal action against persons and organizations which disturb religious activities. Muslim religious leaders have already paid their gratitude towards the government for taking measures to protect national harmony, he said.

Thus, he said, Udayan is on a mission to destroy unity among Sri Lankans.

He said at present, Sri Lanka is in the post-war period and media institutes have great responsibility to support national reconciliation actively. The development programmes launched in the Northern and Eastern Provinces are on a fast track. In such a situation, setting one community against another is not the way medias should behave, he said.

They should know how to make the public aware of the development activities and help to build peace and harmony, Major General Perera explained.