http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2012/10/07/new02.asp

‘Lanka, India should join forces to curb LTTE remnants’

by Manjula FERNANDO

Former Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama says he is pleased that India has recognised the threat posed by the LTTE, as a terrorist organisation, to India and Sri Lanka as well as to the rest of the world.

Speaking to the Sunday Observer yesterday in the backdrop of comments made by India’s Defence Minister A.K. Antony and a Home Ministry official where they stressed on the attempts made by the outlawed organisation to regroup in South India and possible connivance with Maoist groups, he said, “The LTTE’s military apparatus, though not present in Sri Lanka, is heavily supported and aided and remains intact overseas”.

“Given the slightest opportunity and space, the LTTE could always regroup because their purpose has still not been served,” he said, adding it was a position he strongly maintains.

Bogollagama was the Foreign Minister during the humanitarian operation when Government Forces totally annihilated the LTTE leadership and terminated their activities within Sri Lanka.

He said though the LTTE has been eliminated in Sri Lanka, its network, in most parts of the world, has been actively engaged in promoting and propagating their agenda for a separate State in the island.

This was quite evident in their universal declaration where they have called for a government in exile.

He said the two countries must take joint efforts to eliminate LTTE activities in the region and universally, with the cooperation of the international community.

“The presence of the LTTE as an organisation still remains a challenge. We have curtailed their operations in Sri Lanka and we must seek international cooperation for the complete elimination of LTTE-connected activities.“

Emphasising the importance of India’s contribution in this task, he said the strength the LTTE commanded for over 30 years, in engaging in unconventional and unorthodox efforts against Government Forces, still remains within the capacity of an LTTE operational unit overseas.

“They will come with an innocent face, claiming legitimacy for their activities with various tactics, but I don’t think we should fall for it, for the LTTE has been responsible for severe atrocities against all peoples of Sri Lanka as well as for the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.”