at the forthcoming Presidential election based on 10 conditions, which include two serious issues.

Silva said, “The first condition agreed to by Mahinda Rajapaksa to resolve the ethnic issue is the implementation of the 13th amendment to the Constitution as the initial step towards resolving concerns over the political rights of the Tamil speaking people, in order to progress towards power sharing in stages resulting in the political target of a unified government in the centre with regional autonomy to the provincial councils.

“Also, the 10th condition states the Tamil homeland concept is accepted.”

According to Silva, this agreement highlights a united Sri Lanka instead of the unitary state, establishment of regional self rule and acceptance of Tamil homeland concept, which was one of the three fundamental demands put forward by the Tiger organization at Thimpu talks. By agreeing to such demands Mahinda Rajapaksa is attempting to betray, on behalf of his gaining presidency, the victory achieved through numerous sacrifices of our war heroes and the people.

Speaking further Silva said, “This is a step taken to abandon national unity on behalf of the presidency at a time when it is essential for the country. Mahinda Rajapaksa should clarify whether this statement made by the Leader of the EPDP at the press conference was true or not. If he has told a lie, action should be taken against it. We also ask those gentlemen who are covering their ugly bodies with so-called patriotic shawls to come up with their explanations. Today certain artistes, without mentioning any name, request for the Motherland should be protected. The Motherland cannot be protected by bringing victory to a person who has promised to fulfill demands made at the Thimpu talks.”

He added, “When the Presidential election was announced Mahinda Rajapaksa was on top of the ladder. However, as soon as Sarath Fonseka announced his candidature as the non partisan common candidate, Rajapaksa tumbled down. Various groups in the government have got terrified and launched mudslinging camapigns. They have retreated on their own. At a press conference held recently a group of ministers said Rajapaksa would get 60% of the votes. At the last provincial council election they had 70%. Now they themselves have reduced 10% of it.”
Politburo member, parliamentarian K.D. Lalkantha and parliamentarian Sunil Handunnetti were also present at the press conference.