Monday, 05 November 2007

Defence Spokesman, Keheliya Rambukwella, addressing the media this morning in Colombo stated that Thamilselvan was not a ‘dove of peace’ as some state, attempting use of his death to defame the Sri Lankan forces but that strike on the gathering of terrorist in Killinochchi on Friday (02nd) was a fair and great achievement by the forces.
Tracing his career, the minister said that Thamilselvan masterminded many killings and attacks on both the security forces and civilians. Despite the Sri Lankan government’s efforts to engage the LTTE in talks, especially during the 2001-2004 period, the LTTE continued to gather arms and ammunition and carry out killings, he added.

The minister further stated:

“When President Mahinda Rajapaksa took over in 2005, he assured the country that he would continue to strive for a peaceful resolution. At the Geneva summit for instance, the Government was ready to take up the core issues but the LTTE delegation, led by Thamilselvam, quietly changed their attitude and adopted delaying tactics. They resorted to violent acts, testing the patience of the Sri Lankan Government, until the LTTE tried to assassinate the Army Commander, Sarath Fonseka.

“It was then that the Government was forced to retaliate. With regard to opening the A9, Thamilselvan again only wanted the road opened but backed away from other core issues that had to be taken up at the discussion table.

“In Oslo, the Sri Lankan Government once again made an honest attempt at getting the LTTE to a round table conference. But there again Thamilselvan and his delegation made use of this opportunity to purchase military hardware and develop their know-how rather than focus on discussions to take the peace process forward.”

The minister stated that therefore it is clear that Thamilselvam was not interested in a genuine peace but was merely biding time to realize the political and terrorist objectives of the LTTE. In the light of this history of terrorist confrontations the idea that Thamilselvam’s loss would jeopardize the peace process has no foundation, he pointed out, justifying action taken by the forces targeting a gathering of terrorist master minds in Killinochchi.

Courtesy - Government Information