Terrorism

MEP distance itself from PA, vows to fight reforms

Contrary to expectations among some ruling party leaders, the MEP was likely to distance itself from the PA in view of the latter's controversial decision to go ahead with the proposed constitutional reforms, MEP Dinesh Gunawardene on Friday night said that the party will do everything possible to block the proposed reforms. "The MEP," he said "will never betray the masses for cabinet portfolios," Since the MEP backed Mrs Chandrika Kumaratunga at the last presidential election in December last year, there was intense speculation, reports and rumours of the PA offering a cabinet portfolio to Mr. Gunawardene.

Recently senior PA officials said that the MEP has sought to contest the parliamentary elections on the PA ticket. Asked to comment, Mr Gunawardene stressed that he never said anything about contesting the election on the PA ticket, accepting portfolios or supporting the ruling party at the forthcoming elections. He admitted that the MEP backed the PA at the last presidential election and several other issues including the military action taken against the LTTE. The MEP always opposed unreasonable demands made by the separatist Tamil terrorists. "We'll continue to do so," he said pointing out that there was need to replace the present constitution . The need, he said was to crush the LTTE's military capability and restore the state power in all parts of the country.

He said that there was no truth in claims that the MEP has sought to do anything contrary to the wishes of the people who back the party's strong position against the LTTE. Gunawardene indicated that the MEP will not have anything to do with the PA at the forthcoming election in view of the differences over the proposed draft constitution. Three weeks ago the media reported that the MEP and the UNP's Alternative Group have decided to contest the forthcoming parliamentary elections as constituent partners of the PA. Gunawardene stressed that he was not prepared to "sell" his people to satisfy some. The MEP will step up attacks on the new constitution and work with the Maha Sangha and other groups which oppose reforms. The proposed constitution will only destroy this country and allow those who support separatism to achieve their objective, he said.