The Deshahitheshi Jathika Viyaparaya (Patriotic National Front) on Monday warned President Chandrika Kumaratunga’s government that it would be toppled if it heeded the LTTE’s demand to set up an LTTE-run interim administration in the North-East region.
The nationalist front played a pivotal role in the UPFA campaign that paved the way for President Kumaratunga to dissolve the then UNF government on the basis of deteriorating security situation and go for parliamentary elections in April.
The warning was given by Ven. Elle Gunawaansa thera at a well attended meeting at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium. "We’ll not hesitate to do the same if this government goes against the wishes of the people."
Speaking ahead of JVP parliamentary group leader Wimal Weerawansa, the thera urged the government not to give-in to what he termed as the unreasonable demands of a terrorist organisation.
He praised the government for taking a series of commendable steps beneficial to the people since the last parliamentary elections in April. Acknowledging the government was now under tremendous pressure by the LTTE and its supporters here and abroad, the outspoken monk emphasised that the nationalist forces wouldn’t permit the institutionalisation of the ISGA as it would lead to the division of the country on ethnic lines.
The thera explained that they wouldn’t oppose talks on an interim arrangement if it was part of the final settlement. This is compatible with the JVP stand. (SF)
(http://www.island.lk/2004/09/30/news30.html)
