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Rajapaksa: Sri Lanka does not need Europe’s advice
by Melani Manel Perera
The president spoke at a campaign rally in the northern province. Dialogue, cooperation and mutual understanding are the weapons that the government will use to solve the country's problems. Tamil young people imprisoned for terrorist activities: "We will use compassionate justice with them."
Colombo (AsiaNews) - "We have no intention of seeking Europe’s advice or that of any other power to solve our problems", stated Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, thus launching a campaign rally yesterday in Kilinochchi (Northern Province) . He stressed that the government will solve the country's internal affairs "through dialogue, cooperation and mutual understanding."
In view of the forthcoming local elections on July 23, the president wanted to participate in the election campaign of Upfa candidates (United People's Freedom Alliance, a coalition government party) in Kilinochchi. The Northern Province is the most "critical" for Rajapaksa’s party, because it was the worst hit by thirty year long ethnic conflict and has a Tamil-majority population.
Regarding the plight of Tamil youth detained for terrorist activities, Rajapaksa said the government will apply a "compassionate justice" for them, while others will be reintegrated into society after a rehabilitation program. "The government - said the president - is aware that the Tamil community, particularly the younger generation, have suffered immense difficulties for 30 years, under the terrorism. We are doing our best to help: in addition to having launched a massive development program, we have committed significant state funds to the province of the North ".