In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam clarified his speech in Parliament last week, stating that he denies and is flabbergasted by the comments made by the Prime Minister about his involvement in the massacre of 600 policemen in 1990. The letter was sent to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today (13). "I am flabbergasted and shocked by the statement the Hon. Prime Minister has made in Parliament, alleging me, having connivance with the present parliamentarian Hon. Sivanesathurai Chandrakandan (Pillayan), in the massacre of 600 policemen in 1990. I categorically deny any association with any militant organizations, since birth, to date. The irony of the matter is, when this incident took place, I was not even born. I am sure the Hon. Prime Minster has been grossly misinformed in this regard. As such, I earnestly request the Hon. Prime Minister to check the veracity of my statements and issue a clarification in this regard," the letter stated. The letter further mentioned that the allegations made by Prime Minister Wickremesinghe were very serious and that the general public would blindly accept such accusations. "As you are aware, a very serious statement of this nature, and when it emanates from the Prime Minster of the country, and specially from a person of your stature, the general public could blindly accept that as undoubted truth. This would cause irreparable damage to my reputation, whilst posing a possible threat to my life as well. As such, all corrective measures taken in this regard is greatly appreciated," the letter noted. Rasamanickam's letter further noted that he had been outspoken about the needs of the Tamil minority, representing a community which has been subjected to appalling conditions for the last 3 decades. "I am sure you would have observed, that I have never condoned, supported, or encouraged any violence, nor subscribed to any thoughts, that could instigate violence. Despite me representing a community which has been subjected to appalling conditions over 3 decades, I have been vocal towards the needs and aspirations of all Sri Lankans, whilst advocating peace, harmony, and inclusiveness. I have been steadfast with my views in stating that the diversity of the Sri Lankans should be our strength in being together, rather than being divided," the letter mentioned. Furthermore, the letter stated that in regards to the violence that broke out on the 9th of May, the people reacted in such a manner was only because their elected representatives failed to bring about their grievances, needs and aspirations in the law makers assembly. "In my recent speech in Parliament, with regards to the May 9th public rage, the inference I made was, that the people reacted in a violent manner, because they felt that their elected representatives failed to bring about their grievances, needs and aspirations in the law makers assembly. They perhaps felt, that their elected representatives failed in their mandatory obligation in securing the interest of the people who voted them in. This statement of mine has either been misunderstood or misconstrued, to appear as though I have been supportive of the arson and the related incidents," the letter stated. Additionally, the letter stated that Rasamanickam felt it was only fitting that his stance on the assassination of late MP Amarakeerthi Athukorala was spoken in parliament on the day the motion of mourning was discussed. "The Hon. Prime Minister’s condolence speech on parliamentarian, late Hon. Amarakeerthi Athukorala, a mention was made that within the Parliament, one single member has condoned this incident whilst others have been deeply grieved. I am of the opinion, that this was suggestive of me and parallels were drawn on reactions subsequent to the assassination of Hon. Lakshman Kadirkamar and Hon. Amarakeerthi Athukorala. Hence, I felt that it is my moral obligation to enlighten my stance, to the Hon. Prime Minister and all my parliamentary colleagues," his letter noted. The letter concluded by requesting Prime Minister Wickremesinghe to attend to the need of the hour, which is granting relief to the people of this country, addressing their grievances, assuring all three meals and relieving them from this distress. "At this juncture, I would like to state, that the priority and the need of the hour expected from the legislators, is granting relief to the people of this country, addressing their grievances, assuring all three meals and relieving them from this distress. I would be supporting any measure taken, which would render solace to the people of this country, whilst providing them immediate, as well as sustainable relief, towards meeting their present grievances and future wellbeing," the letter concluded.