by Franklin R. Satyapalan  

With the entire A-9 coming under government control after 23 years, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa yesterday stressed it is crucial that "we remain focused on our goals and not deviate if we are to unite the country and usher in peace and prosperity by eradicating terrorism".

"We must make use of this opportunity, which has opened up after almost three decades, to bring unity and amity to Sri Lanka", he told The Sunday Island from USA, where he is now on a visit.

"We should not forget that because of this scourge of terrorism, many opportunities to develop our country and live in peace were lost", Rajapaksa noted. 

He said that the people of Sri Lanka have a responsibility to protecting the victories gained amidst a lot of sacrifices made by the valiant security forces. 

"If we want to see an end to terrorism by arresting Prabhakaran and the other LTTE leaders, we should not compromise or deviate from our goals". 

"Therefore, we have to unite and work steadfastly towards our goals without deviation until the end. If we relax our vigilance or commitment to eradicate terrorism, this menace will raise its head again", Rajapaksa warned. 

"As we have to do much more to completely eradicate terrorism for good from our soil and bring stability to our country, we must remain focused on our goals and must not lose the momentum we have gained", the Defence Secretary underscored.

Courtesy:Island.lk