People abhorred UNP's Kahala Nadaya - Minister Anura Yapa

Nadira Gunatilleke and Rajmi Manatunga

Colombo: The United National Party (UNP) has withered further after the Kahala Nadaya organised by them in connection with increasing oil prices, Information and Media Minister and Cabinet Spokesman Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said.

"The people expressed their disdain and contempt for this action," Minister Yapa told the Cabinet press briefing.

Minister Yapa said the UNP members took part in Kahala Nadaya using their luxury vehicles and people expressed their disapproval when they blocked the roads. "The whole campaign became a joke."

Minister Yapa pointed out that certain elements who pretend that they stand for democracy and also think that it is good if the LTTE prevailed in the Eastern Province are trying to create havoc in the East after the Government rescued the Eastern Province from the terrorism and established democracy and peace there.

These elements motivate people in the East to get involved in violence. Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan made an excellent statement recently.

He told that earlier he was misled by inaccurate leadership and searched for liberation through arms but now I have realised the truth and try to illuminate the lives of people living in the East.

"We must thank the Eastern Chief Minister for his statement," the minister added. The Minister stressed that the Government as the State has a responsibility to protect the people and land and due respect and honour should be endowed to the Armed Forces protecting the people and the land.

"We should see terrorism as terrorism and not misunderstand terrorism as fighting for freedom," he said.

Minister Yapa further said that all that the Government always requests is not to write anything that destroys the courage of the Armed Forces. Anyone can harbour any opinion.

"Misunderstanding the Government's request to refrain from destroying the courage of the Armed Forces is something very serious. It is the responsibility of the journalists to think and write.

Thousands have sacrificed their lives for the country. The Ministry of Defence is committed to protect the country, its people and their properties," he added.