Political party representatives yesterday expressed their happiness and satisfaction over the handing over of APRC proposals to end the national question describing it as a historic occasion in the country at a time the country was preparing to celebrate the 60th independence day.
EPDP leader Minister Douglas Devananda thanked President Mahinda Rajapaksa for his bold initiative for the first time in post independence Sri Lanka to devolve power as a solution to the national question.
UNP Democratic Group leader Minister Karu Jayasuriya also hailed the President for his commitment and determination to solve the national question without passing that burden to another generation.
He said such a bold initiative will surely pave the way to dispel the bad reflection on the country and the President has the resolve and strength to fully eradicate terrorism from the country.
He also pointed out that steps should also be taken to conduct the Eastern election in a fair manner.
SLFP General Secretary and Minister Maitripala Sirisena also commended the President for taking an initiative to convene the All Party Representative Committee to solve the national question.
National Congress leader Minister A.H.M. Athaulla also expressed his happiness over the administration of the North and Eastern Provinces separately.
NUA leader Minister Ferial Ashraff also thanked the President for giving all political parties an opportunity to express their views on a political solution to the national question. PA General Secretary D.M. Jayaratne said it was a great victory for the masses that nearly all political parties were able t come together to resolve the ethnic conflict.
He said the proposals should be implemented and final peace achieved for the benefit of all Lankans.
The MEP’s Somaweera Chandrasiri said the Eastern masses were already benefiting as a result of the President’s leadership.
All parties must support his efforts to wipe out terrorism and rebuild the nation.
Liberal Party Leader Kamal Nissanka said the 13th Amendment should be implemented fully and more powers devolved to the provinces. The President is firmly determined to protect the country’s national security and territorial integrity.
Minister Champika Ranawaka said although they were opposed to the provincial council system, the two PC’s in the North and East should function effectively. The Forces would soon be able to liberate the uncleared areas as well.
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