By Sandun A Jayasekera
President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday called upon all to unite to develop the country while hitting out at those who obstructed the government and the security forces in their march to victory.
“Many people said we would not be able to achieve victory. Some tried, and still are trying to accuse us of war crimes. We are ready to go even to a hundred gallows to defend the freedom of our motherland,” President Rajapaksa told the cheering crowd.
Addressing a public rally at the Parliament Ground at Sri Jayawardenepura to honour war heroes, President Rajapaksa said the humanitarian operation was prosecuted overcoming many leg pullings, conspiracies and negative.
propaganda campaigns carried out by foreign elements and their local agents.
“Some people ridiculed the army. They said the army commander was not even suitable to be the Commander of the Salvation Army. Today they have been proven wrong,” he said.
He added that people could now go from Pamankada to Alimankada and Medawachchiya to Kilinochchi without any fear, bringing a smile to the faces of those who were gathered.Sri Lanka is capable of facing any form of tigers including those who appear in lamb’s skin as the country has confronted many obstacles in its two and a half years of war against terrorism, President Rajapaksa said.
“Three years ago the impression was that the tiger movement had an enormous power and impossible to defeat. Legs of some politicians trembled when the name of tigers was mentioned. They said the tiger leader was a person with huge military experience and armed forces top brass were no match to his military acumen and combat experience,” President Rajapaksa recalled.
“We were able to reverse this notion as we had the full confidence in our armed forces and commanders of the Army, Navy and the Air Force. I had full confidence in my commanders in the three forces. What do they have to say now?” he asked.
The people of this country are born with the power that needs to confront any challenge or any obstacle. They are patriotic. What required is a little stimulation. Sri Lanka is much stronger and capable of facing any challenge. Today, she can stand tall with any world power.
Those who snatched children away from the warmth of their mothers are no more. The threat of bombs, machine guns and suicide cadres are history today.
The feared air power of the LTTE have been totally destroyed and improvised submarines, water jets and torpedoes are resting in peace on the bottom of the sea, bringing total peace and a sigh of relief to everybody living I this country, President emphasized.
The 15,000 square kilometers given to the LTTE in writing under a treacherous CFA has been retaken. The administration, courts, banks and police posts of the LTTE are no more.
The days where children went to school with a T 56 belongs to the past. The Lion Flag is fluttering from KKS to Dewundara and Batticaloa to Colombo for the first time in the recent history. Wives and mothers must not worry any more thinking weather their husband or son would or would not return home in the afternoon. The Lion Flag is seen hoisted even at Pudumatalan or at Pudukudairuppu for the first time in the history. This achievement is unique as the LTTE permission was needed to hoist the Lion Flag beyond Anuradhapura even at a state building.
“You must never forget that this victory was achieved thanks to the blood shed by our heroic soldiers for many years. The Lion Flag has become more colourful from their blood. Hence, the new Lion Flag belongs not only to the Sinhalese but all other patriotic, peace loving and law abiding citizens Tamils, Muslims, Burghers, Malays. We all must be determined to protect the newly won freedom. Nobody must forget the sacrifices of our heroic soldiers,” President Rajapaksa stressed.
The Bandaranaike regime came to power through ‘Pancha Maha Balavegaya’ that represented Buddhist monks, indigenous doctors, teachers, farmers and labourers. Sri Lanka can go forward now with ‘Ranaviru Blavegaya’ or Power of War Heroes,” he added.
The march to victory had not been laid on a bed of roses. Similarly there may be many drawbacks when the country attempts to taste the fruit of victory. The drug peddlers are a menace that hinders the progress of the country.
We must never forget to pay our tribute and gratitude to Ranaviru families. Every assistance possible except the life of the fallen soldier should be given to Ranaviru families, President Rajapaksa stressed.
Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremenayaka, Speaker W.J.M.Lokubandara, Minister Susil Premjayantha, Prof. Tissa Vitharana, Dinesh Gunawardana, Patalee Champika Ranawaka, A. Thondaman, Douglas Devananda, Rishard Badduidin, A.L.M.Athaulla. Vinayagamurthi Muralidaran and Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa also spoke.
Mrs. K.C.Perera of Nawala, Rajagiriya donated Presented President Rajapaksa with Rs. 1.5 million for the Ranaviru Fund.
Courtesy:dailymirror.lk