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Hand of friendship extended to people of Jaffna

by Pramod de Silva from Jaffna

Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Refugees Minister Dr. Jayalath Jayawardena yesterday extended the "hand of friendship" to the people of Jaffna on behalf of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and the people in the South.

Marking the first-ever visit by a United National Front Government Minister to Jaffna, Dr. Jayawardena stressed that the Government was committed to usher in peace as soon as possible so that people belonging to all communities could live in harmony.

"Prime Minister Wickremesinghe is a statesman who firmly believes that a political solution is essential to achieve peace. On his behalf, I pledge before the people of Jaffna that we will soon enable all Sri Lankans to live in peace, without fear and suspicion, enjoying equal rights in a united Lanka," the Minister said, addr essing Jaffna residents after participating in a religious ceremony at the Pilleyar Kovil. "We are all Sri Lankans, from South to the North. This is our country.

Let us join hands, let us all live in peace," the Minister added, amidst the cheers of the crowd.

He said it was significant that Prime Minister Wickremesinghe has appointed three Ministers from the three major communities - himself, Minister Assisting Vanni Rehabilitation Noordeen Mashoor and Hindu Affairs Minister J. Maheswaran for development and welfare work in the North.

This exemplifies his commitment to the people in the North. The Premier has given his full backing to the development efforts of Jaffna District MP and Minister Maheswaran.

Commenting on the significance of Thai Pongal, which is celebrated today (14) by Hindus all over the world, the Minister said it would be a good opportunity to further strengthen the people's resolve for peace. "As we celebrate Thai Pongal, I have brought the message of friendship and brotherhood from the Sinhala people in the South," he told the gathering.

Ministers Mashoor and Maheswaran, Acting Chairman, Rupavahini, Saman Athaudahetti and Acting Chairman, ITN, Prof. Dhammika Ganganath Dissanayake Goodwill Ambassador Rosy Senanayake were also present.

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