SRI LANKA: PRESIDENT CHANDRIKA KUMARATUNGA TELLS THE NATION SHE HAS DECIDED TO TAKE OVER THREE AREAS OF GOVERNMENT

Record ID: 956967

  • Title: SRI LANKA: PRESIDENT CHANDRIKA KUMARATUNGA TELLS THE NATION SHE HAS DECIDED TO TAKE OVER THREE AREAS OF GOVERNMENT
  • Date: 6th November 2003
  • Summary: (U6) COLOMBO, SRI LANKA (NOVEMBER 4, 2003) (SLRC - NO ACCESS SRI LANKA) 1. (SOUNDBITE) (English) SRI LANKA'S PRESIDENT CHANDRIKA KUMARATUNGA SAYING "Reverend Sirs, my fellow citizens. The disturbing developments of the past few months, culminating in the events of the last days and the ineffective steps taken by the administration to ensure national security have led me to take the view that firm and steadfast action is necessary to remedy this situation. I have accordingly decided to take over three areas of government, in which I fear urgent corrective action is required. Namely, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of the Interior, and the Ministry of Mass Communications, which have an immediate impact on the security situation while ensuring the media full freedom of expression. However, the three ministers concerned will continue to hold the several other portfolios they hold at present. This is not an effort against any party or individual, but done only in the exercise of the duties and responsibilities bestowed on me under the constitution in the overall national interest. I have long been committed to the peaceful resolution of the ethnic conflict that has bedevilled the country for a number of years. I made my position on this issue clear well before I was elected president of the republic. I intend to continue with my efforts to arrive at a negotiated settlement which will satisfy the aspirations of all the communities of Sri Lanka. I remain committed to the preservation of a pluralist, democratic society throughout the country, where the human rights of all citizens are assured and protected and the just rights of all citizens are secured. When I personally presented in parliament the draft constitution of 2000 which reflected my views and those of the People's Alliance on the kind of political solution that should be acceptable to all communities, the draft which had substantially been agreed to by the then opposition, I did so in all sincerety. It was an expression of my determination to ensure that a just solution acceptable to all was brought about. That constitution was reviled and burnt in the chamber of parliament by members of the main opposition party. I wish to assure the minorities of the country, especially the Tamil and Muslim communities, that their concerns will be given due and serious consideration in the efforts to reach a negotiated settlement. I remain willing to discuss with the LTTE a just and balanced solution of the national problem within the parameters of the unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of Sri Lanka. I believe that given good will, committment, and the widest possible support on the part of all those concerned in solving this problem, a just and durable solution could be found. I appeal to all my fellow citizens to remain calm. I will not tolerate revenge and lawlessness from whatever quarter it may come. The maintenance of law and order is one of the paramount duties cast on me under the constitution. It is a duty I will discharge with the cooperation of the security forces and all the people of Sri Lanka." 4.06 Initials Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved
  • Embargoed: 20th November 2003 12:00
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  • Location: COLOMBO, SRI LANKA
  • Country: Sri Lanka
  • Reuters ID: LVA9T9BJOQS90FAZT5X54CUQ23GR
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