Assassination strengthen resolve not to give in to terror - President

I unequivocally condemn the cowardly assassination today, of the Mr. Herath Abeyweera, Chief Secretary of the Eastern Province by terrorists of the LTTE.

This is yet another act of savagery by the LTTE in its campaign of terror to achieve its goal of a separate state, allegedly for the liberation of the Tamil people who are themselves severely oppressed by its violence and terror.

The late Mr. Abeyweera was a dedicated public servant, who served the Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslim people of the East with great commitment for over 15 years as the District Secretary, Ampara. He performed a great service for the entire East under most difficult conditions, in view of the separatist terrorism waged by the LTTE, which always sought to disrupt the civil administration.

It was his dedication to be of continued service to the people that made him take up duties as Chief Secretary of the Eastern Province after his retirement from the Public Service. It is most regrettable that at a time when steps are being taken to restore democracy in the East, the country has lost a public officer of his calibre whose commitment to democracy was always unquestioned.

We regard his ultimate sacrifice in the service of the people as a great honour to the commitment of all public officers to the service of the nation.

This assassination further strengthens our resolve not to give in to the forces of terror, but to proceed with our task of restoring freedom and democracy to the East, and all of Sri Lanka .

I extend my deepest sympathies to the family of the late Mr. Abeyweera.