‘Prabahkaran can contest elections’
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse says LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakarana can also be a candidate in a forthcoming presidential election.
He says, however, the LTTE Supremo has to abide by Sri Lanka’s constitution if he is willing to do so. Regarding the controversial agreement to share tsunami relief aid with the Tamil Tigers (P-TOMS : Post-Tsunami Operational Management Structure), PM Rajapakse says he stands by the decisions taken by the government. Please note that this session has now ended. We are now waiting for the more answers from the Prime Ministers. The answers for your questions by the Prime Minister are continue to be published. Following is the full list of PM's answers to your questions... Q: I am very concerned at the slow pace and inefficient management of the Colombo-Matara expressway project. Can you take some decisive action to get this project moving?Sam Pillai, Toronto, Canada A: I have already taken steps and I am confident that this expressway will very soon be a reality. Q: I am a Sri Lankan and I like to tell you that there is a big range of prices some food items and day to day tools that we want Eg. Rice 1Kg Rs.35 But Tooth brush Rs.25 razor (Big 38) Can't we make these things in Sri Lanka and sell low prices (Government can make these things)?Asanka Suraweera, Gampaha, Sri Lanka A: This should be evaluated not by itself but viewed from the perspective of wider economic policy about what we should produce in the country and what we should exchange. This is a matter that is constantly under review. Q: The number of killings is increasing daily. Will you bring in the death penalty?Anil Hapugoda, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka A: This is a matter about which the whole country should be consulted because it is tied to a fundamental moral issue, quite apart from the debate about its effectiveness as an instrument to combat crime. Q: Sometime in May 2004, I received notification that the Ministry of relief, rehabilitation and reconciliation was calling for applications to provide financial compensation to those affected by the terrible 1983 ethnic violence. I immediately sent my application as my house was completely burnt down during July of 1983. So far I haven't received even an acknowledgement. When will the Sri Lankan government pay the promised compensation?Milroy Jebarajah, Mississauga, Canada A: Please send me a copy of your application so that I may pursue it with the relevant authorities. Q: Will you allow Hon. V. Prabakharan as a presidential candidate?Anandan Arumugam, Toronto, Canada A: It is not a matter for us to allow or disallow. If he fulfils the conditions required under the constitution, then that is all there is to it. Q: What is Sri Lanka doing to demolish the air strip of the terrorist group that endangers India as well?Kumar Jayanath, Sterling, USA A: This matter is being looked into carefully by all concerned. Q: Are you for or against JM?Guna, Toronto, Canada A: As a senior member of the SLFP, what matters is the position taken by the party. Q: What would you think the LTTE will do or their ambition after completion OF JM?Lakmal Kahawela, Glasgow, Scotland A: Unfortunately I am no soothsayer. We all have to wait and see. It is far too early to know. Q: It has been reported that the citizens of Sri Lanka did not have the full details of the Tsunami Aid deal until a few days before the government signed it. As a democratically elected official, did you push for the full details to be made public and if so why are there so many people concerned that there was not a lot of transparency in this deal?Kavan Sanjiva, USA A: As a member of the cabinet I stand by the decisions taken by the government. Q: Did you know the details of JM before signing?Sisantha Kumara, Galle, Sri Lanka A: The document was in fact published in the print media before it was signed.