No media suppression during Premadasa regime - Ranil

UNP leader Ranil Wickremasinghe today questioned the silence of the media in the face of gross media rights violations and maintained the media enjoyed full media freedom during the Premadasa regime.
Meanwhile he has called for a political solution that devolves powers and is acceptable to the Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities as means to end the war.

The UNP has unveiled its political solutions for the resolution of the national conflict, he said, adding that on the contrary, the government was yet to submit its proposals.

Instead of presenting its solution, the present regime is preparing to rob the votes of the eastern people, Mr. Wickremesinghe told his party's election rallies in Trincomalee and Kinniya.


The people of the east should decide their future, he noted, adding that the UNP was very clear in its stance with regard to the province.

The UNP and the SLMC have joined forces for the May 10th provincial council elections for the east.

Speaking further, Mr. Wickremesinghe said, "We are contesting the eastern provincial council to ensure a democratic society that protects self dignity and is free of fear and suspicion of armed groups. We will support if the Pillayan Group disarms and becomes a democratic political party. But, we oppose if they enter politics with arms. Also, it is the government's responsibility to protect the Pillayan Group if it disarms itself."


"The UN is against the government's union with the Pillayan Group. The US government has also called for the disarming of the group. Europe, Japan and other countries are taking the same stand. If the government fails to act accordingly, these countries will not grant us any aid," he said.

"If the Pillayan Group resorts to violence, the UNP will take strong action against it. We will do our maximum locally and internationally against these armed groups. If the Pillayan Group points its guns at the people, I can make serious trouble for the government and this group. I dare them to show the power of the gun," Mr. Wickremesinghe added.