Govt has clear cut policy when fighting terrorism - Minister Rambukwella

INDIKA POLKOTUWA and THILAK PUSHPAKUMARA

The Government which always works with the country's best interests at heart has a clear cut policy when it comes to fighting terrorism. This position will not be compromised under any compulsion for a ceasefire, said Minister of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare Keheliya Rambukwella.

Minister Keheliya Rambukwella made this observation before the Mahanayake Thera of the Malwatte Viharaya Most Ven. Thibbotuwawe Sri Siddhartha Thera when he paid a courtesy call on the Chief Prelate at the latter's official residence on Saturday.Minister Ramubkwella said that President Mahinda Rajapaksa will not bow down to terrorism or threats and the LTTE could enter into peace talks only after surrounding its arms. The scourge of terrorism has taken its toll on several countries including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The Chief Prelate praised the efforts taken by the Government to eradicate terrorism. The Most Venerable Mahanayake Thera also called upon the people to extend their cooperation in this direction. Minister Rambukwella also presented a valuable gold plated Buddha statue donated by the Korean Government and also a three-wheeler for the use of the Malwatte Viharaya's Secretariat on this occasion.

Senior Advisor to the Minister, Venerable Kahagala Seelananda Thera was also present.