President requests opposition support

[TamilNet, Thursday, 26 July 2001, 05:43 GMT]
The appeal by President Chandrika Kumaratunge Wednesday night over the state television to opposition parties including United National Party "to put aside all political and other petty differences and join her government to rebuild the nation" has received mixed responses in political circles. UNP sources said, "if the government needs the co-operation of opposition at this critical juncture, it should prove its bona fide by reconvening the prorogued parliament and cancelling the 'mock' referendum".

"Unless the President takes prompt measures to recognise the supremacy of parliament it would be futile to appeal to other opposition parties to lend their support "added a UNP activist.

Sources close to Marxist Janata Vimukthi Peramuna said, "mere appeal to the opposition for its support to her government will not certainly help her to overcome the national crisis. The President should immediately reconvene the prorogued parliament to discuss the present volatile situation in the country".

In the wake of daring Tuesday's dawn attack on the country's international airport and main air-base at Katunayake by a suicide squad of the LTTE, Ms.Chandrika in a broadcast to the nation over Rupavahini said, "at stake is the nation's future, the people's future, the future of the children and not the party interests and privileges enjoyed by some people."

Sri Lanka's main opposition United National Party and Janata Vimukthi Peramuna, the second largest opposition party in parliament are expected to make their official stand to the President's appeal shortly, respective party sources said.