UNP demands parliamentary debate on air attack

[TamilNet, Monday, 26 March 2007, 21:13 GMT]
Ranil Wickremasinghe, leader of the main opposition United National Party (UNP), has requested the Prime Minister, Ratnasiri Wickremanayake to summon the parliament immediately to discuss the current security situation in Sri Lanka following the Monday predawn air strike by the air wing of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on the Katunayake airbase.

He said in a letter to the Prime Minister that the security of Sri Lanka is at stake due to the air strike by LTTE on the vital military installation located in the high security zone in Colombo.

Meanwhile, UNP spokesman Gayantha Karunatilake said his party has not been invited by the Presidential secretariat for the meeting of leaders of all political parties at Temple Trees residence Monday evening to discuss the current security situation.

At a press briefing held Monday afternoon Minister Fernandopulle said there was suspicion that the air strike of the LTTE has the blessing of those sacked from the cabinet.

In the meantime, two teams have been appointed to inquire into the Monday predawn air strike on the Katunayake air base, which killed three air force personnel and injured 14 others. In addition to SLAF team, the Sri Lanka Police has appointed a CID team to probe the attack.