International - India & World   

Steps will be taken to safeguard national security: Chandrika

By V.S. Sambandan

COLOMBO Oct. 25. Sri Lanka's coalition of Opposition parties, the Peoples' Alliance, yesterday kicked off an island-wide protest campaign against the ruling United National Front, with a reiteration by the President, Chandrika Kumaratunga, that she would take appropriate steps to safeguard national security. The protest rally will move around the districts of Sri Lanka before returning to the capital in December, and is aimed at changing the Government and returning to power.

In her Sinhalese message to the rally, Ms. Kumaratunga said: "I have felt the people's need for a change in Government and I am ready to provide the correct leadership to the people of this country for them to get their expectations fulfilled," according to a report in the Daily Mirror. The report also quoted the President as saying that the security of the island was under grave threat and that she would take "appropriate measures."

Ms. Kumaratunga, who wields vast constitutional powers as head of state, head of Government and the commander in chief of the armed forces, has consistently expressed concern over the Government's handling of the peace process.

India's stand welcomed

The leader of the Opposition, Mahinda Rajapakse, the former Foreign Affairs Minister, Lakshman Kadirgamar, the propaganda secretary of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, Wimal Weerawansa, were among the main speakers at the rally.

Mr. Kadirgamar welcomed India's stand that the interim council should be an integral part of the final solution and said the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, which is a main constituent of the PA, had maintained the same position for the past two years.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

International

News: Front Page | National | Southern States | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Obituary |

Stories in this Section

• North Korea willing to consider Bush offer
• Hu calls for greater U.N. role to maintain world peace
• Iraq donors pledge $33 b.
• Ranil to meet Bush on Nov. 4 to review peace process
• Labour expels Galloway
• 'Asian Davos' meet next month
• Parties' merger may alter Canada equations
• Insurgents receiving support in Bangladesh: Indian envoy
• Tamil expatriates oppose defence ties with India
• Steps will be taken to safeguard national security: Chandrika
• India's attitude non-serious: Kasuri
• Pak. doctors unhappy with India's gesture

Copyright © 2003, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu