JHU opposes TNA participation in APRC

[TamilNet, Thursday, 20 November 2008, 15:18 GMT]
The Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU), all Buddhist monks' party Thursday said inviting Tamil National Alliance (TNA) to the All Party Representatives Committee (APRC) deliberation is tantamount to allowing the LTTE to participate. Hence JHU severely opposes the invitation extended to TNA by APRC Chairman Professor Tissa Vitharane, said Narendra Gunatilake, JHU spokesman on international affairs at a press briefing held in Colombo.

“Political solution to the conflict should be found within the framework of unitary form of constitution and not on federal concept. JHU would quit the APRC if the government deviates from this position. People also elected President Mahinda Rajapakse to power in 2005 on that basis.

“TNA would not accept a political solution within the unitary constitution. TNA would advocate federal solution. APRC Chairman has invited TNA to participate in APRC deliberation. Now the APRC has been trying to formulate a political solution based on 13th amendment to the constitution due to the pressure by the Government of India. JHU would not allow the government to deviate from the people's mandate given in 2005,” Gunatilake said.