A grave matter
by Umesh Moramudali-Monday, 21 Oct 2013
by Umesh Moramudali-Monday, 21 Oct 2013
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) yesterday distanced itself from a controversial resolution passed by the TNA-controlled Chavakachcheri Pradeshiya Sabha (PS) last week, which called for the restoration of cemeteries of slain LTTE cadres in the Northern Province.
The controversial resolution presented to the PS by Sri Skandaraja Sri Ranjan of the TNA and seconded by Deputy Chairman, T. Yogarasa, also called for the commemoration of the slain Tiger fighters on Mahaveerar Day of the LTTE, which falls on 26 November – which is also the birthday of the late Tiger Leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran.
TNA Media Spokesperson, Suresh Premachandran, told Ceylon Today, the TNA did not endorse the decision taken by the Chavakachcheri PS.
TNA Media Spokesperson, Suresh Premachandran, told Ceylon Today, the TNA did not endorse the decision taken by the Chavakachcheri PS.
“This was an individual decision of the Pradeshiya Sabha,” Premachandran said, adding, “We have not been informed beforehand (by the PS members), nor did we ask them to pass any resolution to rebuild LTTE cemeteries and commemorate those who died during the war,” he said.
He noted that there were more pressing issues in the North that need to be addressed and the priority should be given to resolving issues such as resettling IDPs and provide a better life for the people who have become disabled due to the war.
He noted that there were more pressing issues in the North that need to be addressed and the priority should be given to resolving issues such as resettling IDPs and provide a better life for the people who have become disabled due to the war.
However, he insisted that people have a right to commemorate their loved ones who died in the war.
“We are not against commemorating children or loved ones whose lives were lost in the war. However, it should happen in a proper way at the proper time and this is not the proper time,” he said.After the controversial motion was passed by the Chavakachcheri PS, the Chavakachcheri Police have questioned PS member Sri Ranjan, who presented the resolution.
“We are not against commemorating children or loved ones whose lives were lost in the war. However, it should happen in a proper way at the proper time and this is not the proper time,” he said.After the controversial motion was passed by the Chavakachcheri PS, the Chavakachcheri Police have questioned PS member Sri Ranjan, who presented the resolution.
The police have reportedly queried about the motives of the resolution and as to who had encouraged the PS member to present the said resolution.
Meanwhile, in a related development last week, 200 police personnel were deployed around a previously demolished cemetery of the slain Tiger cadres in the Karachchi area in the Jaffna Peninsula, after reports that certain groups were planning to clean up the cemetery.
Meanwhile, in a related development last week, 200 police personnel were deployed around a previously demolished cemetery of the slain Tiger cadres in the Karachchi area in the Jaffna Peninsula, after reports that certain groups were planning to clean up the cemetery.
