9.7.2008

The Tamil National Alliance, which operates as the LTTE's proxy in Parliament is reported to have expressed support to the strike action called by the JVP.

Also, the Ceylon Tamil Teachers' Union, widely believed to be pro-LTTE, has also expressed support for the strike.

Political analysts point out that the timing of the strike and the strong support extended by pro-LTTE outfits indicate that the JVP is playing directly into the hands of LTTE interests.

The Government pointed out that the only real beneficiary of this strike action would be the terrorist, routed from the Eastern Province and increasingly besieged in the Wanni.

"Only political destabilization outside of the Wanni can offer the Tigers the lifeline it so direly needs at this moment and disruptive strike action will only pump oxygen to a terrorist that is suffering breathing difficulties," one Colombo-based political analyst said.

Earlier, JVP trade union strong man and parliamentarian Mr Lalkantha stated that the strike would be called off if the Government postponed provincial council elections in Sabaragamuwa and the North Central Province, drawing flak from political commentators who asked what elections had to do with workers' rights.