Major challenge facing the country is to forcefully confront terrorism

Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake reiterates that the major challenge facing the country is to forcefully confront terrorism and to defeat it. The Prime Minister made these remarks in Parliament this morning presenting the motion to extend the State of Emergency by a further month.

Mr. Wickremanayake has also appreciated the assistance given by the three armed forces, police and the general public to eradicate terrorism. The vigilance of the masses has prevented many catastrophes.

The Prime Minister has further said certain groups are acting in contrary to the interests of the Motherland with the sole intention of grabbing power. He added that these parties must realise the harm they are causing to the country. 

Prime Minister Wickremanayake added operations in the North are being carried out successfully. He added 138 security forces personnel and 63 civilians were killed in terrorist related activities from 30th April to 02nd of this month.

Leader of the House and Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said the Acting Minister of Finance will deliver a special statement in Parliament tomorrow regarding government’s stance on the present economic situation.  

An agitation was conducted at the main junction leading to the Parliament today in protest over the statements made by the leader of the Opposition and some UNP leaders. The agitators said their utterances help the LTTE.