President calls for end to divisive politics

THE Tsunami Relief Council (TRC) or Post-Tsunami Operational Management (P-TOMS) signed yesterday is a simple administrative arrangement to provide humanitarian relief to those affected by the tsunami, President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga said.

She spent extensive hours explaining the principles underpinning the TRC to all stakeholders, politicians, religious leaders and leaders of civil society in the past few weeks.

However, the President said she was saddened by opposition to this administrative arrangement which went beyond democratic dissent, the Presidential Secretariat said.

Even though there was no need for it, the P-TOMS or the TRC was tabled in Parliament to fall in line with the norms of democratic debate.

However, Parliament had to be adjourned without debate because of the persistent disturbances in the House designed to stymie progress on the TRC.

President Kumaratunga said it was not possible to postpone the finalising of this arrangement without bringing into disrepute the credibility of the government. She appeals to all concerned to put aside divisive and confrontational politics and work as a team to alleviate the sufferings of those affected by the tsunami.

The President reiterated that all responsible leaders should take advantage of this window of opportunity to recommence the stalled peace process.

She was confident Sri Lanka will soon achieve a negotiated durable peace which will ensure the rights of all communities in this country.