Party Leaders call for people's support to defeat terrorism

COLOMBO: The party leaders yesterday unreservedly condemned Monday's LTTE attack targeting the fleet of the Sri Lankan air force in Katunayake, a release from the Presidential Secretariat stated.

In a joint statement issued last night, following an emergency meeting called by President Mahinda Rajapaksa in the aftermath of the air raid, the party leaders termed the attack an unsuccessful bid by the LTTE to diminish the strength of the Air Force in the face of humiliating defeats.

In this back drop where national security has been threatened the leaders collectively called upon the people to back the Government in its efforts to defeat separatist terrorism. "The air capability of LTTE, which is a ruthless and senseless organisation is a threat not only to Sri Lanka but to all the countries in the entire south Asia region.

Therefore we call upon the international community to focus on the LTTE's national and international strategies, understanding this risk posed by the LTTE."

The meeting held at Temple Trees was attended by SLFP, PA, UNP, JVP, JHU, MEP, SLMC, CWC, EPDP, Up-country People's Front, Community Party, LSSP and the Bhumiputra Party. UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe did not attend the meeting. Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake also attended.