"LTTE important component in NE affairs"- Tyronne Fernando

[TamilNet, Thursday, 16 December 2004, 15:08 GMT]
"Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is a very important component in the North East affairs. The LTTE is not prohibited in the island. As such there is no reason to oppose for working with that organization" said Mr.Tyronne Fernando, newly appointed Governor of North East Province Thursday when addressing provincial secretaries, heads of provincial departments and other related officials for the first time after he assumed office Wednesday.

Provincial secretaries and heads of provincial departments attending the conference in NEPC auditorium

Mr.Tyronne Fernando ( middle) flanked by his Secretary Mr.S.Amirthalingam( L) and NEPC Chief Secretary Mr.S.Rangarajah ( R )

Newly constructed NEPC Secretariat

Governor talks to a patient in Trinco Hospital

Mr.Tyronne fernando donate learning materials to St.Mary's College Principal Rev.Sister Vasanthamalar. Provincial Education Ministry Secretary Mr.R.Thiakalingam ( second to Governor) is seen

Mr.Tyronne Fernando donates medical materials to Trinco GH Medical Supdt. Dr.Ms Gowshi Gananagunalan ( Middle) Mr.R.M.S.Ratnayake, Provincial Health Ministry Secretary

"If we work together there will not be war or division in the country," stressed Mr.Tyronne Fernando.

"I have taken over the Governorship at a crucial time in the country when the peace process is underway. We need trust and confidence to take forward the peace process. We all should contribute to the success of the peace process. I need your wholehearted co-operation in this regard," said Mr.Tyronne Fernando.

He added "this is the first time I am working with the President Ms Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunge after about thirty years in the United National Party (UNP). She has appointed me as the Governor with great confidence on me. I did not expect the post of Governor and also I would be posted to NE."

UNP is currently the main opposition in the parliament. Mr.Tyronne Fernando held ministerial portfolios in the UNP when it was in power. He resigned from UNP when he was not nominated through the national list of the UNP to the newly elected parliament in April 2nd general election, having failed to get elected through the district preferential system.

Mr.S.Rangarajah, Chief Secretary of the North East Provincial Council (NEPC) welcomed the Governor. Mr.Tyronne Fernando was the first governor who paid a visit to the newly constructed Chief Minister's Secretariat of the NEPC during the tenure of Major General 9retd) Asoka Jayawardene.

Mr.Tyronne Fernando donated a consignment of learning materials to Mr.R.Thiakalingam, Provincial Secretary to the Ministry of Education to be distributed to students who have been affected by the recent floods. He also donated a consignment of medical materials to Mr.R.M.S.Ratnayake, Provincial Ministry of Health Services to be utilised to provide medical care to flood victims.

He also visited the Trincomalee General Hospital (GH).

SLA soldiers thoroughly examined the betel leaves and garlands kept at the Trincomalee GH to receive Mr.Tyronne Fernando before he arrived there.

Earlier, he visited the Trincomalee St. Mary's Girls College where Principal Rev Sister Vasanthamalar received him. He donated a consignment of learning materials to the school.