UNP MP Sarath Ranawaka, who spoke at the adjournment debate in the House, said Nedumaran had sought permission from the International Red Cross to bring in medicines and relief material to the North

Mr. Ranawaka explained that the Navy would be forced to do something to stop him if tried to enter Sri Lankan waters illegally and that this would harm the good diplomatic relationship between India and Sri Lanka which had been maintained for many years.

He also said that Nedumaran had the backing of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Karunanidhi. “The Central Government of India backs Nedumaran as the support of his party is needed for it to survive. Therefore the Sri Lankan government should act with circumspection,” he said. He added that the Sri Lankan government was facing a similar situation as it could not remain in power if the JVP and the JHU withdrew their support.

Referring to the recent incident at the Sri Lankan Embassy in France where LTTE supporters tore up the Sri Lankan flag and damaged the buildings, he said it was not clear how the French Foreign Minister would react to this incident considering Sri Lanka’s reputation among the international community.

He said the government was labeling members of the international community as terrorists while it did not have a clear cut policy to solve the national issue. He said that while Defence Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa had said the government would go ahead and liberate the North, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama had ruled out such an operation.

Mr. Ranawaka stressed the need for devolution of power to solve the national issue.

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