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| Sunday, 24 March 2002 |
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EPDP,
LSSP call for strengthening of democracy
121, Ananda Rajakaruna Mawatha, Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister Dear Mr. Prime Minister, Thank you for the prompt attention given to the suggestions made by me on behalf of the LSSP in its concern - to borrow a phrase from H.E the President - "to make this ceasefire work". A Parliamentary Select Committee was suggested by us because of the privileged position it has in examining the various aspects involved in the working of the ceasefire as part of a process that cannot be allowed to be long drawn out. I do not need to make special mention here of the apprehensions in regard to an indefinite ceasefire in which areas of control by the respective parties are demarcated, the relations spelt out, and an independent authority set up for the determination (with finality) of issues that may arise. The "National Commission" was suggested in order to allow for an input from the public and to save the Select Committee from the distracting activity of looking into the several complaints and representations which we anticipate would start pouring in. We recognise this to be part of the support structure on the side of the Government and that it should not cut in to the arrangements that have been mutually agreed by the parties to the Agreement. We note that in your proposal you have combined the two bodies into one. Given the necessary facilities and support this could be a manageable starting point. The LSSP approves of it and sees its adequacy for present purposes. We take this opportunity to mention our recognition that there are certain positions in the agreement which can be taken as the working principles of the body you propose to set up. Parties to the Agreement accept without reservation that it is the legitimate function of the Government of Sri Lanka to safeguard the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. As to what is an "offensive operation" by the Armed Forces and the Navy (whether it affects the LTTE or not), and its necessity, are in our view matters to be determined by the H.E. the President who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. The Monitoring Mission should of course be duly consulted. The Armed Forces and the Navy should know with precision and without ambiguity the chain of command and their own respective functions in the event to such infringements as hardware being illegally moved across the seas or land. On matters regarding these functions it cannot be overlooked that the Constitution holds the President directly responsible to Parliament. The agreement also binds the parties to the requirement that they 'abstain from hostile acts against the civilian population, including such acts as torture, intimidation, abduction, extortion and harassment." The Monitoring Mission would need to ensure that this safeguard extends to the people living in the areas that have been recognised as presently falling within the LTTE's control. The rights protected should extend to democratic, fundamental and human rights. Yours sincerely, Batty Weerakoon, General Secretary, LSSP
Appeal Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister Hon Sir, We, on behalf of the Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP) administrating the local bodies of the Jaffna district congratulate you on your appointment as the Prime Minister and for leading the United National Party (UNP) through several difficulties. We welcome your visit to Jaffna district which has been affected by the continued war. We appreciate your courageous act in embarking on a difficult path of peace. We are eager that your courage will lead to a justifiable, permanent and honourable solution to the ethnic issue. The ceasefire agreement with the Tigers has created on atmosphere of cessation of hostilities. We welcome it. However we wish to re-iterate that there should be a guarantee for activities of those who possess alternative views. We are more interested in the political arena of the Tamil people where killings of their own people and political victimisation be brought to zero level. At the same time implementation of the amendments to the local bodies legislation brought up by you and the UNP will establish a base for strong political leadership. We are fully aware that the UNP has always given recognition for leaders of local bodies to act with the assistance of the ordinary people at the bottom level. Therefore your goodself will have to guarantee and ensure that the administration of the local bodies in the Jaffna peninsula is handed over to the representatives elected by the people. It is only then that the people's faith in democracy will prevail. Further as far as the Jaffna peninsula is concerned the local bodies did not have sufficient opportunities for income generation. By considering the special circumstance of their local bodies we appeal to you that necessary funds and other assistance to meet the requirements of each of the local bodies. Thank you |
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