The JVP on Tuesday blasted the government for allowing the LTTE to take advantage of the cease-fire agreement to strengthen the organisation both politically and militarily.

Addressing the press at Hotel Nipponon Tuesday, JVP parliamentary group leader Wimal Weerawansa criticised the government for agreeing to permit LTTE sea movement between the north and the east. The MP expressed the belief that the LTTE would take advantage of the recently concluded agreement on sea travel to smuggle in arms, ammunition and other defence equipment. He pointed out that the agreement on sea travel has been reached outside the cease-fire agreement between the two sides. He predicted that the LTTE would greatly benefit from the agreement on sea travel. They will be able to move freely.

However, the government said that sea transport will only be allowed during day time and the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) will inspect and verify all vessels transporting cadres.

Weerawansa blamed the government for failing to identify the threat posed by the LTTE. He warned that the LTTE was trying to justify its so-called police and legal system and the existence of their bank network.

The JVP also challenged the government to reveal what it proposed to offer to the LTTE and what sort of agreement the UNP-led United National Front was planning to reach with the LTTE. Weerawansa stressed that the people have a right to know what they intend to offer to the LTTE. (SF)