'Country cannot afford to miss this opportunity for peace'- Sampanthan

[TamilNet, Monday, 25 November 2002, 12:54 GMT]
"We must not lose the present opportunity to achieve permanent peace with a just, fair and lasting political solution to the ethnic conflict," said Mr.Sampanthan, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentary group leader addressing the Annual Parents' Day and Oli Vizha of the Trincomalee St.Mary's College Sunday evening. Hundreds of parents attended the function held at College Thresian Auditorium.

"Tamils were forced to take arms when their non-violent methods to achieve their legitimate rights were defeated by chauvinist forces since the country gained independence. The armed struggle has made Government of Sri Lanka realize that they could not suppress and subjugate the Tamils anymore. Hence the present peace talks between the GOSL and LTTE," said Mr.R.Sampanthan,

Mr.Sampanthan was the chief guest. TNA nationalist parliamentarian Mr.K.Thurairetnasingham and Rev Fr. C.V.Annathas, Parish Priest of Trincomalee Infant Jesus Church were Guests of Honour.

"The yearning for peace should come from the heart of every person in the country. Then only we could achieve permanent peace," added Mr.Sampanthan.

Welcome song by students at the Trincomalee St Mary's College Parents's Day and ‘Oli Vilzha’ held sunday.

Many schools in Trincomalee are damaged and more than one hundred thousand children do not attend schools due to war. The Oslo Aid summit would grant funds to rebuild the war torn northeast province in all needed spheres, with special focus on improving education, said Mr.Sampanthan.

Mr Sampanthan commended the role by the St. Mary's College in the development of education in the east port town and said, "in every event staged by the students of this institution today has the stamp of excellence. Some are born with excellence. But some achieve excellence though their efforts. Schools help them in this regard to achieve excellence."

Miss Michel Madona Roof, a student who lost her both parents with the gold medal received at celebration.

Mr.K.Thurairetnasingham, TNA national list parliamentarian said, "some elements are trying to sabotage the present peace process. We should not give room for such elements to succeed in their nefarious efforts."

He added the war has destroyed the basic fabric of our society in the northeast province.

Chief guest Mr.Sampanthan, Guest of honour Mr.K.Turairetnasingham, Special Guest Rev.Fr Annathas with the Principal Rev Sr. M.Therese Ranee (extreme left) at Trincomalee St.Mary's College Parents Day and Oli Vilzha held Sunday.

Rev.Fr.Annathas, Parish Priest of Trincomalee Infant Jesus Church said, "we need a society that would ensure peace and harmony. We will pray for a Christmas season rid of violence, massacre and gun culture."

"We need peace in true sense. We must lead a life propagating peace that would ensure just and fairplay. This is our Christmas message", said Rev.Fr Annathas.

The Principal of the college Rev.Sr M.Therese Ranee said in her speech that among 42 students who have qualified in the Year 5 scholarship examination, two a have lost both parents and reside in the Children's Home run by the college.