All parties must join hands to eliminate terrorism

Several bomb explosions in the outskirts of Colombo recently destroyed valuable human lives. Although the Police and the armed forces did their utmost to apprehend the wrongdoers, they were able to crackdown only a few.

When the Sunday Observer sought the views of the public on how to eliminate terrorism and bring prosperity to their motherland, a Sri Lankan Professor, now residing in the UK, Hemal Nugawela said unless both President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe join hands at this crucial juncture it is difficult to fight end terrorism.

“During my one week stay in the country I heard three major bomb explosions which killed more than 60 people and injured nearly 150, but did not see these leaders meeting each other to discuss about these bomb attacks”.

He recalled when two powerful bombs exploded in a tunnel of London some time back, the then British Prime Minister immediately summoned the Opposition leader to his Downing Street official residence the same night to discuss the matter.

“Therefore, as the initial step, I feel both our leaders must shed their political differences and get together to protect the territorial integrity of the country”.

Director, State Trading Company, Sandaruwan Yapa is of the view that not only political parties, but also individuals must help the Government to eradicate terrorism.

“This is a national issue and therefore the SLFP led Government cannot defeat terrorism alone, it must be assisted by the main opposition the UNP and other small parties such as the JHU, the JVP, the Muslim Congress, the Tamil National Alliance and also the TVMP”.

Managing Director in a Forwarding Company, M.D. Sherifdeen urged the Government to work closely with the TVMP, since the leader of the party Pillayan may have strategies to tackle the LTTE.

Charted Accountant and Finance Manageress, Dilrukshi Hulangamuwa of Nugawela said although President Rajapaksa wants to eradicate terrorism, the support given by some of his own parliamentarians have so far shown negative results.

“It is pathetic at a time when the Government needs the support of opposition members, a handful of Government members and also the media attacking them personally to annoy them,”.

Pre-school teacher, Kanchana Saparamadu requested Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe to refrain from making damaging remarks at foreign countries over the war situation in Sri Lanka.

He should meet President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees and discuss these matters, Kanchana said.

“I also request the President to invite the Opposition Leader for official discussions over this crucial issue”.

Schoolboy, Gayantha Angammana of Wadduwa requested the President to severely warn some of his party men in Parliament and ask them not to criticise opposition members through print and electronic media.

“How could the President seek assistance of opposition members when his own members attack them openly”. Trishaw driver, F.P.N. Neil said people were ready to make any sacrifice to help the Government’s endeavour of winning the war, but asked parliamentarians also to make similar sacrifice to defeat terrorism.

“In our country many parliamentarians do not make sacrifices for the country. Their intention is to live in comfort during their tenure and enjoy all the perks. Therefore, I request all parliamentarians to help the President to eliminate terrorism irrespective of their party politics”.

Businessman, K. Sangadasa of Colombo said: “Although, we feel so sorry for the security personnel for their tireless job to protect the motherland, many parliamentarians do not think so”.

He said all parliamentarians should refrain from making statements belittling the war effort of our valiant soldiers and assist the Government to find a lasting solution to end the war.

Father of three children, Thomas Kalansooriya blamed certain opposition political parties for their negative approach towards the Government’s endeavour of fighting terrorism.

“Some political parties purposely refrain from helping the Government to solve the problem due to their political differences, therefore, I would like to request such parties to shed their differences even at least to win the war and usher in peace”.

Bank Executive, Sunil Fernando said that everyone who loves peace wants to eliminate terrorism from the land, but, unfortunately most of our politicians do not have that feeling like the ordinary people. If not, why can’t these so-called politicians assist President directly to eliminate terrorism, he said.

He also asked President Rajapaksa to summon countrywide professionals, university dons and other educated people to seek their views on how to eliminate terrorism.

“Unlike politicians, sometimes our professionals have better strategies and solutions to end terrorism from the land”. He also asked the President to cancel the holding of provincial council elections since this is not a suitable period to hold elections and spend millions.

“Priority must be given to eliminating terrorism which destroyed valuable human lives even during the first week of this month and not to hold elections,” he said.

Jagath Dissanayaka of Colombo said that Sri Lanka has a very strong opposition comprising experienced and educated parliamentarians and therefore it is the sole duty of the Government to invite them to help eradicate terrorism.

He also said according to reports, Sri Lanka’s Opposition Leader has lots of potential in the international arena, but unfortunately he has been isolated without getting his assistance to eradicate terrorism.

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Pix; Vipula Amarasinghe