No Political Solution Early - Govt

President Rajapakse vows a handful conspired by becoming a cat's paw of terrorists and separatists

(December, 16, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The Minister was addressing the Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka Education Non-Academic Services Employees Union, the Education Minister Susil Premjayanth said a political solution is necessary for the national conflict. But it can be achieved only by defeating terrorism. No one is willing to hand over power to a terrorist outfit. Power should be handed over to the people. The government is not prepared to meet the demand of an armed terrorist group for power. Opposition parties affiliated to the UNP are calling for the devolution of power as it is.

The Minister queried as to what its repercussions would be. The public, encountering difficulties, were keeping a close tab yesterday. Even those experiencing serious difficulties were not averse to a change of the decision yesterday. This was the desire of the common man. But Minister Premjayanth said the group headed by the opposition leader and some of their members who crossed over, could not understand the aspirations of the people.

However , Rajapakse regime has put aside more than US$ 1.6 billion, around 20% of total government spending, for military use.

Meanwhile, in a special statement, President Rajapaksa expressed his gratitude to everyone who were dedicated to achieve the significant victory of the budget, defeating the treacherous forces which were active to defeat the government’s programme of safeguarding the unity of the motherland, launching sustainable development and strengthening the local economy, defeating terrorism. A handful conspired by becoming a cats paw of terrorists and separatists.

He expressed his gratitude for the majority of the country, which identified these forces and defeated them. This was not a victory of the government but the entire nation. The budget is targeted at a ten-year development plan. The President thanked all political parties representing the government, including the SLFP, other political groups which extended un-stinted support to strengthen the government’s path and the patriots, including the Maha Sangha who were dedicated towards the unity of the motherland.