Appeal for peaceful election

[TamilNet, Thursday, 14 January 1999, 00:32 GMT]
The National Committee for Peace And Economic Development, in a letter addressed to leaders of the political parties participating in the North West Provincial Council polls appealed to the to "desist from violence and ensure a free and fair election".

The following is the full text of the letter:

"National Committee for Peace And Economic Development
c/o The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce
50, Navam Mawatha,
Colombo -2,
Sri Lanka

Letter addressed to all political parties contesting the election in the north western province

It has been brought to our notice that significant incidents of violence have already erupted in the North Western Province and that all indications are that this violence will escalate.

We view these developments with great concern.

Unless a free and fair election devoid of violence is held, not only would there be a negative signal going out to the rest of the world vis-à-vis possible investment in the country but also, it will not help in creating an environment which would be conductive to a bi- partisan approach being taken to resolve national issues.

We earnestly appeal to all leaders of political parties contesting the election to impress upon each and every member of their respective organisation to desist from violence and ensure a free and fair election."

The letter was signed by Lalith Kotalawala Co-ordinating Chairman of the organisation