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Kumaratunga's comment on Tamils' origin raises hackles

The reported remark by Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga regarding the origins of the Tamil people continues to create controversy, with Sri Lanka's main opposition saying such ''irresponsible statements'' can only exacerbate an already difficult situation.

United National Party general secretary Gamini Atukorale, MP, while condemning the remarks made by the president, said in a statement that ''this is not the first time that the president has made such irresponsible and unwarranted statements.''

The UNP has always stood for a common Sri Lankan identity and equal rights for all people of Sri Lanka where they can live in peace and harmony and can together develop the country for the good of all the people of Sri Lanka, the statement said.

It was reported that the president made a statement to a television network in South Africa saying that the minority community in Sri Lanka are not natives. A few days ago, the Tamil United Liberation Front issued a statement condemning the presidential remark.

UNI

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