PA rejects concept of Tamil homeland

[TamilNet, Friday, 16 November 2001, 01:43 GMT]
Sri Lanka's Prime Minister, Ratnasiri Wickremenayake, reiterated his People's Alliance (PA) government's opposition to the concept of a Tamil homeland, the state press reported Friday. "The PA Government has directly and indirectly opposed to accept the concept of Tamil homeland. Therefore our stand is clear," the Daily News quoted Wickremenayake as saying while addressing a meeting in Kalutara town hall.

"We should have a undivided country with a peaceful and united society," the Prime Minister said, adding that the countries world over are now supporting the efforts of President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga to eliminate the LTTE.

"It is rather fearful situation ahead. What ever it may be, we will not allow to break the country. If so, the future generation will be doomed," he said. "We should completely sweep off terrorism in the country. Today the Asian countries have commenced to confiscate Bank Accounts and other means and of income for terrorist organisations."

The Prime Minister's hardline stance was blessed by Sri Lanka's Buddhist clergy the Daily News also reported Friday.

"PA would get a clear-cut majority at the forthcoming elections, because it was that Party who had given an assurance that a division of country would be prevented, and its integrity protected," said the Most Ven. Galagama Atthadassi Anunayake Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter, adding that it was the duty of all political parties to create an undivided country. "I wish that with the blessings of the Sri Dalada, the program of work of the People's Alliance and by you as the Prime Minister would be a success."

The Maha Sangha headed by Mahanayake Theras chanted Seth Pirith and blessed the Prime Minister, the Daily News said.