Modern arms soon, Chandrika tells troops

By V.S. Sambandan

COLOMBO, MAY. 12. The Sri Lankan President, Ms. Chandrika Kumaratunga, has assured the troops that they would be provided with the ``most modern armaments, equipment and technology.''

In a letter to the soldiers, Ms. Kumaratunga said the nation's unity was the first priority. ``Let us strengthen ourselves and fight to silence enemy guns and liberate the north and the rest of the areas from LTTE control.''

Recalling the defeats by monarchs in the island in the past, Ms. Kumaratunga said: ``History records that even Kings Dutugemunu, Gajaba, Vijayabahu and Parakramabahu have suffered defeat at the hands of the enemy at some stage. But each time they faced such setbacks, they had faced the enemy with renewed strength and achieved victory,'' a report in the state-run Daily News said.

The Opposition United National Party (UNP) has also taken a serious view of the ongoing northern battles. Its leader, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, described the Jaffna offensives as one which would determine the future of Sri Lanka and the character of the state. ``Parliament should meet regularly and discuss what is taking place,'' he told Parliament, The Island said.

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Section  : International
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