Why didn’t UNP condemn Visuamadu attack - Minister

Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said the UNP as one of the main political parties which ruled the country from time to time since independence has degenerated to such a low level that it failed to issue a statement condemning the heinous crime perpetrated by the LTTE at Visuamadu.

“The Opposition Leader a few weeks back requested the Government to ensure the safety of the civilians trapped by the LTTE. But he is quiet when these civilians are attacked by the LTTE.

“Opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has said the war has ended and the Government should reduce the prices of essential commodities. But the Government has to face the war of resettling theses civilians in their original land after mine clearance,” he said.

What the UNP should do at this decisive moment is to join hands with the Government to educate the international community of the LTTE’s terrorist atrocities, he said.

The Minister said the Opposition has deviated from its responsibility of supporting the Government’s fight against the country’s common enemy, the LTTE.

During the 1972 insurrection by the JVP, the then Opposition Leader J.R Jayewardene extended an unconditional support to the then coalition government led by former Prime Minister Sirima Bandaranaike.

The Minister thanked the United Nations for condemning the Visvamadu attack which claimed over 28 persons including service personnel. Most countries including India and United States and political parties representing Tamils condemned the attack on the civilians. CP