Government and UNP reject ceasefire

by admin
Dec 9, 2008

Even as Tamil Nadu leaders pressed for an immediate ceasefire and India reiterated that there could only be a political solution to the Tamil national question, both the Sri Lankan government and the main opposition, United National Party (UNP), rejected calls for a ceasefire during a debate on the defence budget.

 

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka addressing the parliament on Thursday December 4, declared that the government will not agree for a ceasefire till the ongoing operations are concluded.

 

Earlier, the UNP’s Badulla District MP Laksman Seneviratne told Parliament during a debate on the defence budget that the government should not end the ongoing operations in North until the LTTE leader Velupillai Pirapaharan is destroyed.

 

"It is our party’s clear opinion," MP Senaviratne pointed out.

 

UNP MP John Amaratunga said that the UNP will vote in favour of the defence vote and will continue to support the ongoing military offensives as well. The vote was passed by 114 to 14.

Prime Minister, Rathnasiri Wickremanayake appreciated the support and thanked the UNP on behalf of the government.

Seneviratne said a political solution based on 'extensive devolution of power' should be implemented for Tamils after 'curbing (LTTE) terrorism'.

The UNP MP questioned TNA members whether their claim during world tours that the Sinhalese are suppressing the Tamils was made according to their conscience.

Mr. Seneviratne asked the government not to label the UNP as 'pro-LTTE' just because the party points out shortcomings in war offensives.

Responding, Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage said that that the UNP MP's statement could only be a personal opinion and challenged UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe to repeat this to the House in person.

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