JVP backs CBK

by Dilanthi Jayamanne

The President’s move to take over the Ministries of Defence, Interior Affairs and Mass Communication was welcomed by the JVP, which said that it was a strategic and timely move, which would not only protect the national security but also the internal security of the country.

JVP General Secretary Tilwin Silva, addressing a press conference held at the JVP Headquarters in Nugegoda, said they would support the President’s initiative and assist her in defeating separatist activities promoted by the LTTE, the government and pro- LTTE NGO’s.

The JVP hailed the President claiming that it had been a constitutional move which was necessary in order to protect the territorial integrity of Sri Lanka. "It is a step forward and we commend the President for her brave action in relieving three powerful Ministers of their all important portfolios," Silva said.

The President’s move to take over three important Ministries on Tuesday follows the release of LTTE proposals for an Interim Self-governing Authority on Sunday.

The General Secretary said the government too had prepared a set of proposals previously. "However instead of holding negotiations with the LTTE with their own proposals, the government prepared itself to hold negotiations with the Separatist group within its own proposed terms.

It is even carrying out a major awareness campaign based on false pretexts to deceive the people. He alleged that four ministers even went to the Wanni to hold discussions with LTTE top rungers. However it is doubtful as to whether it is to address the proposals forwarded by them, since they met with only the lower rungers of the LTTE militants," he claimed.

Undoubtedly the Presidents move would excite and anger anti democratic forces and prompt them to defeat this timely move to save country and nation," the General Secretary pointed out. "This is a crucial time for Sri Lanka. It is not a time to consider the religion cast or creed but to assist the President to defeat separatism and create a people friendly political atmosphere for all communities. We must be prepared to defeat the anti- democratic in order to do so", he said.