“Political solution should be found without delay”-UPFA Dy Minister

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 10 August 2004, 02:21 GMT]
“Political solution to the ethnic conflict in the country should be found during the regime of President Chandrika Kumaratunge. She is committed to peace in the country. We cannot drag on forever a peaceful solution to the national problem,” said Mr. Dilan Perera, Deputy Minister for Ports and Civil Aviation, addressing a gathering to mark the 25th anniversary celebration of the establishment of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) under which the management of all ports in the country comes.

Deputy Minister Mr.Dilan Perera handing over commendation to a port employee who served for 25 years.

The event was held Monday in the premises of the Trincomalee office of Sri Lanka Ports Authority.

“ This is the last chance given to us in finding a political solution to the ethnic conflict. Ms Chandrika Kumaratunge won 1994 election. She won again in 1999 and in 2000. She was defeated in 2001 general election. She regained parliamentary power in 2004 April general election. This is the fourth opportunity given to us to solve the national problem to the utmost satisfaction to all communities. We cannot miss the last opportunity,” said Mr. Dilan Perera

Political solution found to the ethnic conflict through peace talks should make every one feel that they are not taken for a ride, said Mr. Dilan Perera who was the chief guest at the occasion.

Mr. Dilan Perera said Minister Mr. Mangala Samaraweera did not attend the event as scheduled as he had been asked by the President to stay in Colombo for urgent consultation.

A section of the crowd attending the event.

He admitted that the Trincomalee port had not been developed in past. There were irregularities in the administration of Trincomalee port and these shortcomings would be rectified in future.

Deputy Minister Mr.Satyraj Tissera, Trincomalee district JVP parliamentarian Mr.Jayantha Wijesekara and Mr.M.K.A.de.S Gunawardene, former Trincomalee district parliamentarian also spoke.

Employees who served in the SLPA for the last twenty-five years were awarded with commendations and certificates and children of the employees who excelled in studies were awarded with scholarships to further their studies at the event.

Deputy Minister mr.Dilan Perera, Deputy Minister Mr.sashitra Tissera ( in national dress) are seen with Trincomalee district parliamentarians Mr.Najeeb Abdul majeed, and Mr.Jayantha Wijesekara, SLPA Chairman Mr.Dilip Wijesundera on the stage when national anthem was sung