MEDIA RELEASE

 

FOREIGN MINISTER DEPLORES BUS BOMB ATTACKS

 

I vehemently denounce the successive cold-blooded and heinous bomb attacks by the LTTE today (06.06.2008) on two passenger buses in the outskirts of Colombo and Polgolla, which have claimed the lives of at least 23 innocent civilians and injured several others.  The LTTE terrorists have committed four such attacks within the last 10 days, purely targeted at civilians.

 

By such dastardly attacks on civilians, the LTTE is attempting to divert the attention of the security forces which have in recent times been able to clear the entire Eastern Province of the LTTE that paved the way for the successful holding of elections and the full restoration of democracy in the Province.  By killing innocent civilians, the LTTE has once again proved beyond an iota of doubt, its evil and fascist mindset and its inability to renounce violence and embrace the democratic path. 

 

I strongly urge the international community to take cognizance of these latest acts of terrorism perpetrated by the LTTE and go beyond simply condemning these atrocities. It is evident that the funds raised abroad by the LTTE and its front organizations directly support and strengthen the operational capability of the LTTE in unleashing its violence and mayhem in Sri Lanka. Thus, nothing short of proscription of the LTTE and tangible and effective legal measures against the support network operating on foreign soil will suffice in order to stop the LTTE, which has been identified as one of the deadliest terrorist groups in the world, in its tracks. We would regard such action as a manifestation of the goodwill of the international community towards our nation and its desire to stop the bloodshed and create the climate for lasting peace in Sri Lanka.

 

While the Government’s resolve to eliminate LTTE terrorism from the island remains undiminished, we will continue with our efforts to reach a negotiated political settlement to the present conflict, acceptable to all communities.  

 

Rohitha Bogollagama M.P

Minister of Foreign Affairs

 

6th June 2008