UNP politician opens LTTE office

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 18 September 2002, 23:33 GMT]
The ruling United National Party organiser in Trincomalee and a former parliamentarian of the district, Mr. Sunil Shantha Ranaweera, unveiled the name board of the Tampalakamam political office of the Liberation Tigers during the opening ceremony this Wednesday. Tampalakamam is a traditional Tamil agricultural village in the district twenty-seven km northwest of Trincomalee town.

Mr.Sushilan, LTTE district deputy commander hoists the Thamileelam national flag.

Tampalakamam Divisional Secretary Mr.V.Yoosuf performed the ribbon cutting to formally declare building open. LTTE Trincomalee district Political head Mr.Tilak also participated in the event.

"The LTTE is fully determined to take the peace process forward. Our agreeing to carry out political work without carrying arms reflects our commitment to engage in the peace process. We should not allow any one to ruin the progress we have already made. The opening of this office at at Tampalakamam further broadens our political activity in this region," said Mr.Thangan, LTTE political head in Tampalakamam presiding over the event.

Tamil National Alliance (TNA) national list parliamentarian Mr.K.Thurairetnasingham said, "Liberation Tigers have proved their might not only in the battlefront but also in the non-violent mode of struggle. LTTE senior commander Lt.Col Thileepan sacrificed his lifeby fasting unto death to achieve the aspirations of Tamils. The people of northeast are today paying homage to this brave leader. The Liberation Tigers are taking Lt.Col.Thileepan's dreams forward by negotiating with the Sri Lankan government to arrive at a peaceful settlement that will satisfy the aspirations of Tamils.

Mr.Sunil Shantha Ranaweera speaks at the new LTTE office

"There is no place for communal politics in the country. Time has come now for the people to shun politicians who thrive on communalism to capture power," Mr.Thurairatnesingham said.

Mr.Sunil Shantha Ranaweera, former UNP parliamentarian speaking in Sinhala with simultaneous Tamil translation said, with the signing of the cease-fire agreement by the Prime Minister Mr.Ranil Wickremasinghe and LTTE leader Mr.V.Pirapaharan people of all communities are now freely moving about in the country from Dondra to Point Pedro without fear or intimidation.The peace process should be strengthened to achieve permanent political settlement to the conflict.

Mr.V.Yusuf, Tampalakamam Divisional Secretary opens the LTTE office cutting the ribbon.

Mr.Sushilan, Deputy Commander of the LTTE Trincomalee district hoisted the Thamileelam national flag. Ms Kamalathevi Thillainathan lit the flame of sacrifice. Mr.Thalif Ali, former Chairman of the Tampalakamam Pradesya Sabai also spoke. Mr.Ahilan proposed vote of thanks.