'Eschew communal politics'- UNF minister

[TamilNet, Friday, 13 December 2002, 17:16 GMT]
"Peaceful environment has dawned in the island after a brutal war for over a period of twenty years. To consolidate the present peace process all should work together irrespective of party politics and other differences. This is not the time for singing old communal songs," said the United National Front (UNF) Minister of School Education Development Mr.Suranimala Rajapakse, addressing a conference held Friday at the Trincomalee district secretariat.

The conference was held to finalize the free distribution of school uniforms to students. The school term is expected to begin in the second week of January next year. The Minister held meetings in twenty-four districts in the country and the Trincomalee district conference was the final one.

The Government Agent, Trincomalee Mr.N.P.K. Nelumdeniya presided. All Divisional Secretaries and officials of the co-operative societies in the district participated in the conference.

The Minister further said the development of the country has been ignored for the last twenty years as past governments had given priority to execute the war. With the signing of the ceasefire agreement an opportunity has been given to develop the country in all spheres. " We should grasp this golden opportunity to find a political solution to the national crisis," said Minister Mr.Rajapakse.

He appealed the People's Alliance (PA) parliamentarian, Mr. Gunawardene, present at the conference to extend his cooperation to find a lasting solution to the national question. "We should not think of the future election. We must think about the well-being of the future generation," Mr.Suranimala Rajapakse said.

Mr. Gunawardene said the development of Sinhala medium education has been ignored in the Trincomalee district. He hoped that the authorities concerned would take appropriate steps to solve the difficulties encountered in the Sinhala medium education in the district.

Former United National Party parliamentarian Sunil Shantha Ranaweera also spoke.
Minister Suranimala Rajapakse speaking, Trincomalee district parliamentarian M.K.A.De S Gunawardene (extreme left), Government Agent N.P.K.Nelumdeniya, former UNP parliamentarian Sunil Shantha Ranaweera. Mr.R.Thiagalingam, North East Educational Ministry Secretary (without glasses in civil) is seen back row