06-26-2004, 02:48 AM
<span style='color:brown'>I acted on Ramesh's advice - Ali Zahir Moulana
My action (bringing Karuna to Colombo) was on the request of the LTTE area leader Ramesh and I advised Karuna that he should give way as a direct confrontation would endanger life and property of the civilians who have still to recover from the ravages of war, former MP S. Ali Zahir Moulana has stated in his letter of resignation.
In the letter which was released to the media yesterday, Moulana said Karuna requested him to render assistance to move to Colombo in order to move out of Sri Lanka.
"As I value and uphold the principles in respecting the Temple of Democracy - the Parliament, I sanctify having decided to tender my resignation, as I do not wish to be an obstacle to the process of peace in embarrassing any individual(s), group, party or parties, but make way to all those who are sincerely dedicated to finding and finalising a lasting and workable peace formula to our Nation," he said.
His letter: "Having supported and activated my participation in the aftermath of the Ceasefire Agreement (CFA), humanely I built a working rapport with the 3 Ks' namely - M/s Karikalan, Kaushalyan, Karuna & Ramesh.
"Confidence bridging resulted in resolving issues relating to the day-to- day problems of civilians, and led to development activities, which included the resumption of the Rail-link from Batticaloa and Colombo, and re-opening the A5 Highway.
The Batticaloa district was a model concept of peaceful co-existence taking into consideration its multi-ethnicity.
"After the dissolution of Parliament and in the interim period, an unfortunate situation erupted, which estranged the Eastern Leader - Karuna from the LTTE hierarchy. I received a call from Mr. Ramesh stating that he was the successor to Mr. Karuna, and wanted me to prevail upon Mr. Karuna to leave the country.
I told Mr. Ramesh that I have no contact with Mr. Karuna, other than the working context, which had by then halted, and pledged to Mr. Ramesh that should I have the opportunity to contact Mr. Karuna, I would certainly pass the message.
"In the backdrop, Mr. Karuna contacted me, and I advised Mr. Karuna to leave Sri Lanka, which would permit those involved with the peace process to continue devoid of embarrassment. After some days, and the flare-up during the National New Year Holidays, Mr. Karuna requested me to render him assistance to move to Colombo in order to move out of Sri Lanka.
Due to the closure and not having had access to many during that particular period of the month - April, I assisted him to reach Colombo, to make his exit, as per his acceptance. My action was based on humanitarian grounds, at the request of the present LTTE Area Leader and Mr. Karuna heeding, too.
However, I categorically deny having offered him sanctuary in any direct or indirect manner at any stage of time, to date.
"Soon thereafter, I informed Mr. Ramesh, of my having fulfilled his request. From recent reports, sadly, I understand that confusion prevails on the whereabouts of Mr. Karuna, who is said to be yet within the territory of Sri Lanka.
"It has been reported that a breakaway faction from Mr. Karuna's entity had revealed my name to the LTTE, which is the cause of much embarrassment. "I for one, have always advocated governance to be implemented devoid of regional, communal and confrontational politics, least to say mud-slinging.
"I wish to reiterate that my intention was good and absolutely sincere and genuine.
I thank my Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe for having rendered guidance at all times, the office-bearers of the United National Party, my worthy supporters for having stood with me at all times and to all my colleagues and staff in Parliament, least to say my personal staff including officials of the security staff, friends and members of my family."</span>
http://www.dailynews.lk/2004/06/26/sec01.html
My action (bringing Karuna to Colombo) was on the request of the LTTE area leader Ramesh and I advised Karuna that he should give way as a direct confrontation would endanger life and property of the civilians who have still to recover from the ravages of war, former MP S. Ali Zahir Moulana has stated in his letter of resignation.
In the letter which was released to the media yesterday, Moulana said Karuna requested him to render assistance to move to Colombo in order to move out of Sri Lanka.
"As I value and uphold the principles in respecting the Temple of Democracy - the Parliament, I sanctify having decided to tender my resignation, as I do not wish to be an obstacle to the process of peace in embarrassing any individual(s), group, party or parties, but make way to all those who are sincerely dedicated to finding and finalising a lasting and workable peace formula to our Nation," he said.
His letter: "Having supported and activated my participation in the aftermath of the Ceasefire Agreement (CFA), humanely I built a working rapport with the 3 Ks' namely - M/s Karikalan, Kaushalyan, Karuna & Ramesh.
"Confidence bridging resulted in resolving issues relating to the day-to- day problems of civilians, and led to development activities, which included the resumption of the Rail-link from Batticaloa and Colombo, and re-opening the A5 Highway.
The Batticaloa district was a model concept of peaceful co-existence taking into consideration its multi-ethnicity.
"After the dissolution of Parliament and in the interim period, an unfortunate situation erupted, which estranged the Eastern Leader - Karuna from the LTTE hierarchy. I received a call from Mr. Ramesh stating that he was the successor to Mr. Karuna, and wanted me to prevail upon Mr. Karuna to leave the country.
I told Mr. Ramesh that I have no contact with Mr. Karuna, other than the working context, which had by then halted, and pledged to Mr. Ramesh that should I have the opportunity to contact Mr. Karuna, I would certainly pass the message.
"In the backdrop, Mr. Karuna contacted me, and I advised Mr. Karuna to leave Sri Lanka, which would permit those involved with the peace process to continue devoid of embarrassment. After some days, and the flare-up during the National New Year Holidays, Mr. Karuna requested me to render him assistance to move to Colombo in order to move out of Sri Lanka.
Due to the closure and not having had access to many during that particular period of the month - April, I assisted him to reach Colombo, to make his exit, as per his acceptance. My action was based on humanitarian grounds, at the request of the present LTTE Area Leader and Mr. Karuna heeding, too.
However, I categorically deny having offered him sanctuary in any direct or indirect manner at any stage of time, to date.
"Soon thereafter, I informed Mr. Ramesh, of my having fulfilled his request. From recent reports, sadly, I understand that confusion prevails on the whereabouts of Mr. Karuna, who is said to be yet within the territory of Sri Lanka.
"It has been reported that a breakaway faction from Mr. Karuna's entity had revealed my name to the LTTE, which is the cause of much embarrassment. "I for one, have always advocated governance to be implemented devoid of regional, communal and confrontational politics, least to say mud-slinging.
"I wish to reiterate that my intention was good and absolutely sincere and genuine.
I thank my Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe for having rendered guidance at all times, the office-bearers of the United National Party, my worthy supporters for having stood with me at all times and to all my colleagues and staff in Parliament, least to say my personal staff including officials of the security staff, friends and members of my family."</span>
http://www.dailynews.lk/2004/06/26/sec01.html
Truth 'll prevail