Don’t go for a ceasefire with the LTTE says an opposition MP

UNP parliamentarian Lakshman Seneviratne says it is his party’s stance that the government should not go for a ceasefire with the LTTE at this juncture. During the opening vote on the defence budget in parliament today Mr. Seneviratne said present operations in the north should be continued to terminate the LTTE leadership.  The MP also added that the UNP always commends victories of the security forces.  Speaking further, he said the Sinhala people are peace lovers and they do not want to dominate Tamils in the country.  The MPs also pointed out that in combating terrorism, Sri Lanka should seek the support of India which is also plagued by terrorism. Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage commending the statement made by MP Lakshman Seneviratne asked opposition leader Ranil Wickrermasinghe to officially make a similar statement if it is the stance of the United National Party. UNP MP John Amaratunga said that the UNP will vote in favour of the defence budget as a mark of respect to soldiers who are fighting for sovereignty of the country.

Speaking in parliament, Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickremanayake said that Sri Lanka has a firm stand on eliminating separatist terrorism of the LTTE.  The security forces have recorded series of victories in the northern battle front by confining terrorists to few areas in the Jaffna district.  The Prime Minister also pointed out that the government will not get trapped into a truce with the LTTE despite pressures by various groups.