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first Tamil terror massacre in 83

Saddened by strike with political motive - President
Wednesday, 09 July 2008 13:25
President Mahinda Rajapaksa has said that he was saddened by the fact that trade unions were resorting to strike action to gain political mileage at a time when heroic soldiers were sacrificing their lives for the country and nation without expecting any returns.

He was speaking to heads of trade unions affiliated to the government at Temple Trees yesterday (July 08th).

As a labour leader and a former Labour Minister, Mr. Rajapaksa said, he did not see anything wrong in trade union action by workers to win their rights.

However, it is sad to note that methods employed for winning demands that cannot be won through dialogue are now being used to gain political advantage, he said.

Protests calling for pay hikes and other rights are made possible due to the shedding of tears and blood by the heroic soldiers who are fighting terrorism in the north, Mr. Rajapaksa noted.

He said that all those who love the country have a responsibility to support the government's efforts to restore peace and development.

Speaking further, the president said, 'The terrorists are waiting to block our path, to weaken the government. They are exerting pressure internationally against our country. They are trying to create trouble and disrupt offensives by our army in the north. We should face all these with patience.'

'It is not that I do not understand the difficulties of the people. That is why the government increased salaries three times within 30 months. None of the state institutions has been privatized.'

'When SLFP leaders were acting against me, it was the JVP and the JHU that helped me. Therefore, I believe that no one-sided decisions should be taken, and that the country should be taken forward,' he said.

President Rajapaksa said that he took over reigns to end the war and uplift the people, adding that he would face any challenge until he fulfills that objective.

'Thereafter, anyone can rule the country. I do not want this leadership as an ornament. I believe that all will support us in consideration of the tomorrow of the innocent people of the country,' he added.

He said that he could now convene the committee meeting since the TMVP had nominated Batticaloa Mayor Sivageetha Prabhakaran as its nominee to the APRC.

'Extremists in the south do not account for even five per cent of the population. A majority of Sinhalese also reject the theory that Sinhala Buddhists should rule the country, while the others should live like slaves.'