Ceasefire will stand – Kadir

by Rohan Mathes

PA Parliamentarian and Presidential Advisor, Lakshman Kadirgamar yesterday re-iterated that the Ceasefire Agreement should stand and will stand. "There is no question on that. President Kumaratunga has absolutely no intention whatsoever of provoking or resuming any type of hostilities with the Tigers at this juncture".

Addressing a media conference at the Opposition Leader’s office in Colombo, Kadirgamar said that attempts have been made in certain quarters to send messages to the Wanni that the President will resume hostilities. "This is an old game that is played in our politi. On behalf of the President I refute any such mischievous suggestions that have been made", he claimed.

He pointed out that it was always necessary to read the preamble as it reflects the text of the message. "On perusal of the preamble of the recent LTTE’s Proposals for an Interim Self Governing Authority (ISGA) for the North and East of Sri Lanka it clearly shows the LTTE has undermined the sovereignty territorial integrity and the unity of the Republic of Sri Lanka.

It has also undermined the Legislature, Executive and the Judiciary of Sri Lanka. There is no reference whatsoever in its reference as the ‘Republic of Sri Lanka. They refer to it as an ‘Island’ of vacant space. No reference has been made whatsoever to the office of the President .

On the contrary, there is a clear reference of the LTTE wanting "Plenary Powers". That is absolute and unqualified powers. That is a erosion of all the three powers of the Legislature, Executive and the Judiciary.

There is no reference to the "Supreme Court". It will have its own Judiciary and vested powers. "Separation of powers and vesting in another is very serious", he added.