LTTE cannot defeat us, but the Govt is open for talks -President

President Mahida Rajapaksa said the government is open for talks to bring peace to the country. Addressing the high-profile AsiaSociety in New York, he confidently said, "but, the LTTE cannot defeat us by terrorism or any other means. We have proved that in recent months."

Explaining ardent belief in democratic practices, President said, "I am a President who is willing to listen and discuss." Meeting was the Asia Society in New York celebrating 50 years with the Asian Distinguished Leader Lecture Series.

President Rajapaksa speaking on 'Development and Peacemaking: Challenges in Sri Lanka,' said that the LTTE must stop all killings and come for talks. He pointed out that some people had already forgotten the brutal killings carried out by the LTTE.

The Government has taken several steps to bring the LTTE to the negotiation table. The defense programme that was launched during the past few months was one of them said the President.

The President said that his Government was committed for the protection of the country and its people. He added that economy has been strengthened and development has been rapid although there were terrorist challenges.    

His humor was appreciated by the audience. When a member of the audience brought the issue of red tape in Sri Lanka, the President said: "Please contact me directly if you come across red tape. You have a President who you could reach directly."

On Indo- Lanka relations, the President said: "India helps us a lot. For anything we go to India first. We always seek India's advice. India can pressure the LTTE to come for talks." When questioned who would become the next UN Secretary- General, the President pointed out to Jayantha Dhanapala who was in the audience and said: "There he is."

A Sri Lankan in the audience instead of asking a question recited a poem in Sinhala. It was a poem that blessed the President. The President also said: "Soon, there will be no opposition in the country because all parties will work together soon."

Responding to another question, President Rajapaksa said: "Tamils and Muslim people have problems. We have to settle them through dialogue. But, you cannot allow the LTTE to control. We must get them to come to a political agreement with us.

"We don't discriminate anybody. As a Government our policy is to treat them equally and take development to the village."