Dullas warns UNP against using media attacks to garner votes

• Govt. promises not to interfere
  

Transport Minister Dullas Allahaperuma yesterday warned the UNP against using media attacks to gain political points, insisting that the government was too strong for such ploys.

Addressing a media briefing, the Minister stressed, “We are strongly requesting the opposition to give us a good competition rather than pitting us against an undeveloped, weak, and collapsed election campaign. We expect and want the UNP to give us a good fight, which they were unable to do in the Sabaragamuwa and North Central Provincial Council elections.”

He also warned the UNP not to use either the Sirasa attack or the assassination of Leader Publications Editor-in-Chief Lasantha Wickrematunga to garner votes as that would not be successful, given the strong vote base of the government.

Meanwhile, parts of the partially exploded claymore mine that was recovered from the Sirasa/MBC studio was handed over to the Government Analyst following an order from the Nugegoda, Gangodawila Magistrate.

Media and Information Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene noted that the evidence was handed over on Monday. He also insisted that the government would not interfere in the investigations and would await the results before taking further action. Admitting that the government has to face criticism he nonetheless pointed out that there will be forces beyond the control of the government “even a long time after terrorism is wiped out.”

“I do not see the point in getting agitated needlessly. We must first see what the Police uncover and take action accordingly. I admit that the government has a responsibility to assure an impartial investigation and that will be done,” he said.

Adding that the government has to deal with forces it can control, as well as those beyond its power, he noted that these could be Sinhala, Tamil, underworld or the LTTE. “The government cannot guarantee that it can keep all its citizens safe from all these menaces.”