Conference demonstrates Women's strength behind freedom struggle - Karuna

[TamilNet, Sunday, 30 March 2003, 05:11 GMT]
"National conference on Tamil Eelam Women's development is an appropriate event to awaken Tamil women at this juncture when there is a climate of peace with the cessation of hostilities. The event demonstrates to the International Community the forces behind our military struggle," said Colonel Karuna, Senior commander of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, speaking as a chief guest third day of the conference organized with the support of the Organization for the upliftment of women in Batticaloa.

Colonel Karuna

The concluding events of the three day program were held in LTTE controlled Karadiyanaru 'Thenaham' campus Saturday evening.

Batticaloa-Amparai district head of the political section, Bhanuka, presided. Cultural events including music from the 'Singing Fish' group dominated the final day events.

"After decades of conflict the warring parties are now engaged in peace talks. Governments of the past were only thinking of a military solution. The war brought destruction not only to Tamil areas but also to the whole country.

"Sinhala people voted for peace when Ranil Wickremesinghe stood for elections promising his party will seek a negotiated solution to the conflict. We have reached this stage of peace because of our military strength and the guidance from our national leader.

Commander Nilavini

"Recent incidents at sea and activities of elements opposed to the peace process including those of the President are raising doubts on the stability of peace. Our leader is keen on maintaining peace and to constructively engage in the peace talks.

"Tamil community recognizes the contribution of Tamil women in the struggle. Tamil women have grown with the years of war to stand equal to men. These conferences help to awaken and motivate more Tamil women to actively participate in the progress of our community," said Karuna urging the organizers to continue to spread their work around the Northeast region.

Batticaloa-Amparai district head of military section of women's wing, Nilavini also spoke. LTTE head of political section of Women's wing, S.Thamilini, Batticaloa-Amparai district senior commander, T.Ramesh, Batti-Amparai district commander Robert, head of the political section E. Kausalyan , Deputy head Kirushan and many other LTTE officials participated in the conference.


Section of the LTTE women's wing participating in a dance item