Sri Lanka launches drive to recruit soldiers

By Nirupama Subramanian

COLOMBO, JAN. 31. Sri Lanka has launched a drive to recruit at least 10,000 more soldiers for the war against the LTTE even as moves by Oslo to bring the two sides to the negotiating table seem to be gathering pace.

Norway's special envoy, Mr. Erik Solheim, was back today in the Sri Lankan capital to take the process forward, reportedly after a meeting earlier this week with the LTTE representative in London, Mr. Anton Balasingham.

He is scheduled to meet the Sri Lankan President, Mrs. Chandrika Kumaratunga, and other members of the government and opposition during the course of his visit.

Mrs. Kumaratunga said on State television earlier this week that there had been positive signals from the LTTE and that she saw ``a glimmer of hope'' for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

Calling for immediate negotiations with the LTTE on political issues, Mrs. Kumaratunga however ruled out a ceasefire and said military offensives against the Tigers would continue till a lasting peace agreement was hammered out.

In keeping with this, the government announced today that it had launched a month-long programme with the theme ``Obstacles are temporary, Victory is at Hand'', to felicitate the bravery of soldiers. The programme would also include a recruitment drive.

At a press conference today, Mr. Mervyn de Silva, a Deputy Minister, said he would go from village to village seeking the support of the country's youth to defeat the LTTE.

He said the army was on the verge of success in the north, and with an additional 10,000 more recruits, would be able to finish their task.

The government plans to launch a number of programmes for the welfare of soldiers during February, including assistance to the families of those at the front.

Another Deputy Minister, Mr. Chandana Katriarachchci, said the country must show solidarity with its soldiers on February 14, known as Valentine's Day and celebrated as a day for lovers.

A government statement said the security forces were engaged in recovering all the territory that the LTTE captured last year.

``The government will therefore not be fooled by the Tigers' trap of declaring unilateral ceasefires. Instead, the forces are ready to move forward with even greater vigour to stamp out terrorism,'' it said.

The forces had both the resources and morale to carry out this task, it stated.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : International
Previous : South African relief team coming
Next     : Jaswant meets Syrian President