Iraqi attack condemned

Colombo Page News, 10 April 2003

April 10, Colombo: The PA controlled Western provincial council adopted a watered down motion condemning the US led aggression in Iraq.

The PA members failed to bring the motion and it has been tabled by the JVP councilor Mohamed Nufley as a private member motion. It requested the government to clarify its stand on the issue.

The council unanimously decided to convey its displeasure to the US and UK ambassadors in Sri Lanka too.

Opposition leader Kithsiri Kahatapitiya said that the government would not extend any support to the war.

Councilor A. M. Yoosuf said before the government expresses its stand, President Chandrika Kumaratunga should express her stand. He accused the JVP of trying to win the sympathy of Sri Lankan Muslims by introducing such motions.

MEP councilor Piyasena Dissanayake said the US had invaded Iraq contravening all norms of decency.

Lakshman Abeygunerathne of the UNP said JVP was shedding crocodile tears over Muslims. They were silent when Kathankudy Muslims were massacred he said. He added that the government would never approve or support the war.

PA’s Keerthi Udawatte said the party was totally against the aggression against the people of Iraq.