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| Sunday, 26 January 2003 |
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PM explains peace process to LJEWU : 'People will have say in final settlement' by Ariyarathne Ganegoda Government is to seek the will of the people to implement the decisions arrived at the conclusion of the round of talks to end the two decade long ethnic conflict. " Our next round of talks will be held in Berlin. We will proceed with the talks, we began in Thailand in September with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and when we arrive at a political solution, that political solution will be laid before the people of this country for them to decide. We will ask the people whether they accept the solution and that is a matter for the people. The decision will be the decision of the people and not mine. If the people accept it, then I will take it further", Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said. Participating as the chief guest at the 23rd Annual conference of the Lanka Jathika Estate Workers Union (LJEWU) held at Sirikotha Premier Wickremesinghe gave a lengthy account of the peace process and the role the Sri Lanka Government play to achieve lasting peace to the country and her people. "The MoU we entered into with the LTTE is one year old now. There is fighting neither in the North nor in the South today and no more killings", he declared. Addressing the members of the LJEWU Premier pointed out that since the United National Front Government came into power and assuming duties as Prime Minister he was able to bring about a permanent ceasefire which was very beneficial to the country. "Now there is gradual growth in economy and both peace and economic development should go hand in hand. Once the country is economically sound and the country is developed, benefitting the people, they will not like to wage war", he said. Making reference to the federal system of government Prime Minister said that there was only one armed force in countries which operate a federal system of government. It is same as that of the non-federal system of government. Some wanted the government to get the LTTE disarmed. But it is not possible at this stage. We are still in the ceasefire period and all these issues can be dealt with at the final stages of our talks in finding a political solution", he said. He also said that the government has got down the former Deputy Army Chief General Sathis Nambiar. He would be an advisor to the government and he is expected to submit a report after making a study of the current situation in Jaffna. "It is no easy task to arrive at a political solution through negotiations. It is very complicated. There are instances where the negotiations have failed and had been successful. The LTTE has now agreed to share power within a unitary state without a division of the country. It is a great victory to the government", the Prime Minister said. Ministers A. H. M. Azwer, Lakshman Kiriella, Deputy Minister Navin Dissanayake, Samurdhi Minister R. A. D. Sirisena, New president of the Union Raja Senevirathne, New secretary Badulla District MP K. Velayudam and former MP M. L. M. Abusaly also spoke at the Annual conference. |
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