Monday, November 01, 2004

ISGA inconsistent with constitution — Anandasangaree by Cyril Wimalasurendre

KANDY: The LTTE does not truly represent the Tamils of North East. The LTTE demand of an Internal Self Governing Authority (ISGA) also is inconsistent with the country's Constitution Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) Leader Anandasangaree told the Most Ven. Tibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Maha Nayake Thero of Malwatte on Sunday.

Anandasangaree paid a courtesy call on the Maha Nayake Thera on Sunday.

Anandasangaree expressed his vehement opposition to any agreement or attempt to grant the ISGA to the LTTE.

He said the LTTE at first agreed to a federal system of administration for the North East. Now their demand has changed to self-governing authority, he said.

Even the so-called members of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) should not be given a hearing. The TNA members numbering 22 have entered the Parliament in an undemocratic way, Anandasangaree claimed. This has been accepted not only in Sri Lanka but also by the foreign agencies he noted.

As a senior member of the Parliament, he said he was aware of the feelings and the needs of the Tamils in the North and East.

Most Ven. Sri Sumangala Mahanayake told the TULF leader the best solution to the major issue could be found by supporting the Peace Advisory Council appointed by President Chandrika Kumaratunga.

The prelate advised all those interested in the crisis should attend the Advisory Council.