10.4.2008

Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka yesterday told Parliament that even though LTTE terrorism silenced the voice of Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, the Government will conduct its military operations to completely eradicate LTTE terrorism from the country.

Starting the Emergency debate, the Premier said "we regret to inform that brutal LTTE terrorism has silenced Minister Fernandopulle who always raised his voice against the LTTE in and outside Parliament. Minister Fernandopulle always raised his voice against terrorism to prevent the division of this country."

"The LTTE has engaged in various acts of destruction to destroy the democratic

process due to severe set backs it has suffered in the North." "The Government amidst various terrorist threats was able to conduct the Local Government Elections in the East and ensure the democratic rights of the people. The Government has made arrangements to hold the Provincial Council Election in the East allowing the people to elect their own representatives."

"Minister Fernandopulle was to play a key role in the upcoming Provincial Council Election in the East. He explained how the Government was going to win the election. However, ruthless LTTE terrorists destroyed his life. But the Government will not stop its battle until we put a complete end to LTTE terrorism," the Prime Minister said.

At each Parliament debate Minister Fernandopulle expressed his views brilliantly. He was a patriot who always maintained a close friendship with all politicians and was committed to uphold democracy. He always proved it through his actions, the Premier said.

He said one should have a feeling for one's country. The lack of a national feeling will turn that particular person into a stranger within his Motherland. It is a great pride to Indians to introduce themselves as Indians. But how many of our people have such a feeling for our Motherland ?

He said we are living in a country which has faced numerous betrayals during its history.

"We lost our resources, freedom and national identity due to these betrayals. Thousands of people who loved this country sacrificed their lives to save the country from these betrayals."

The Premier observed the country has reached a critical juncture. "Everybody has joined hands to defeat terrorism. Today the country has a brave and proper leadership to achieve this target. The need of the hour is to extend our fullest co-operation to the country's leadership and Armed Forces who have dedicated their lives to defeat terrorism."

"We are not ready to give up our idea. We have entered into the path of victory by facing all challenges. The day is not far when the entire country will be united under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. We should extend our honour to our heroic soldiers, who have dedicated their lives to achieve this difficult task.

The Government has able to recapture the entire Eastern province from the LTTE due to the great dedication made by our Armed Forces. Today it's results are enjoyed by the people in those respective areas."

The Premier said several political parties have come forward to engage in the democratic exercise in the East.

"This is a great victory achieved by us. The Government has launched humanitarian operations to achieve a similar victory in the North. I am confident that the Armed Forces will be victorious in the near future by eradicating terrorist threats. Terrorists who know their faith are launching various tactics to disrupt civilian life."

"Terrorism has become a threat to the entire world. But all countries are following the same method to combat terrorism.

But some are very concerned about dollars rather than their nation. Such people do not feel the sufferings of their own people. But the Government is ready to use all strategies to eradicate terrorism.

"During the last month, 93 persons of the three Armed Forces and police have been killed while 686 have been injured due to various terrorist attacks. In addition 38 civilians have been killed and 21 have been injured during this same period," he said.

Courtesy : Daily News