Stung by Indian accusations of growing casualties of "unarmed" Tamil civilians, Sri Lanka counseled New Delhi to "perceive marginalization of the Tamil Tigers in the correct perspective" and not to be "influenced by malicious propaganda" against the military campaign of the government targeting the Tigers, media reports said.
The move came after India's National Security Adviser M K Narayanan summoned Sri Lankan Deputy High Commissioner G G A D Palithaganegoda to convey New Delhi's concerns to him and asked the government in the island nation to "act with greater restraint" -- following threats from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Karunanidhi of withdrawal of support to the Congress-led government over the Sri Lankan military offensive in the north of the country.
In a suo motu statement on the floor of Parliament, Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama Monday specifically referred to the move by Narayanan to summon the Sri Lanka Deputy High Commissioner in New Delhi.
Taking a dig at Karunanidhi, he said that while the security forces were engaged in an operation to free people from the "fascist and dictatorial control" of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE), critics of Sri Lanka and LTTE sympathizers were attempting to portray a "totally false notion" that the government was opting for a military solution.
"It is very important that all those who are concerned about Sri Lanka, including the welfare of the Tamil community, should perceive the marginalization of the LTTE in the correct light," he said.
"LTTE does not represent the Tamil community in Sri Lanka. Therefore, military action against the LTTE should never be perceived as action against our brethren, the Tamil community. We are concerned about them and will work with them to ensure their welfare, security, and aspirations since they are our fellow citizens," he told the House.
Bogollagama said the Anuradhapura suicide attack makes it clear that the LTTE is "firmly and irreversibly entrenched in the path of violence and terrorism" and it is not the time for recrimination or finger pointing.
"No attempt should be made to whitewash the LTTE and throw it a lifeline, as it faces imminent and certain defeat at the hands of our valiant security forces. All political parties who subscribe to democracy should unite and join hands with the government to once and for all rid Sri Lanka of the scourge of terrorism," the statement said.
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