"UNF ready to get fresh mandate for peace"- Wickremesinghe

[TamilNet, Sunday, 01 February 2004, 17:18 GMT]
"The ruling United National Front is prepared to face a snap general election to get a fresh mandate for peace," Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Mr.Ranil Wickremasinghe said Sunday addressing a rally at Hali-Ela in Badulla district. The meeting was held to inform the masses on the current political situation since Sri Lanka President's take over of three key ministries from the UNF government, media sources said.

The current political crisis should be solved without further delay in the interest of the country. The delay in restarting the stalled peace process is destroying the economy of the country, he said.

He added he could not solve the country's problems within twenty-four hour's time and it would take more time.

Mr.Wickremasinghe further said that he could not undertake the responsibility to continue the peace process unless the key defense ministry is returned to his government.

President's irresponsible action by taking over three ministries from the UNF government has plunged Sri Lanka into turmoil. The stability of Sri Lanka regained after the signing of the ceasefire agreement with the LTTE has now been weakened due to current political impasse, he said.