Prabhakaran spurned chances for pardon - President

The LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran has spurned the possibility of pardon by us. In doing so, by not giving up arms and surrendering as required, he must now face the consequences of his acts, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees today - April 22.

In keeping with the traditions of Buddhism, the government was ready to pardon those ready to change their ways to a better path. It has shown such clemency to Karuna Amman and Pillaiyan, who had been rehabilitated in democracy, and were now a minister and chief minister respectively. Such clemency would have been possible for Prabhakaran if he had surrendered, given up arms and abandoned violence, as called for on several occasions, and not caused so much suffering to the people, the President said.

He added that the Security Forces had now advanced further into LTTE held area, confining them to just 8 sq. km. More Tami civilians were coming to the safety of government held areas. It was clear the LTTE could not hold out for much longer.

The President was addressing a group of nearly 3000 persons from the Kalutara District who have changed allegiance to the UPFA from the UNP.

Courtesy : Presidential Media Unit