Unity the key for tsunami recovery - President

WELIGAMA: President Mahinda Rajapaksa made an earnest appeal to those desirous of bestowing merit on the victims of the tsunami to unite in the Government's effort in rebuilding the Motherland.

He said it is through the unity of all Sri Lankans that the country could attract the sympathy of the outside world in its rebuilding effort.

Speaking after opening the "Turkish Village" consisting of 500 tsunami houses to coincide with the second anniversary of the tsunami disaster at Midigama in Weligama on Saturday, the President said he was astounded by the speed in which the country reacted in the face of the devastation which made an impact on him and influenced his political concept too to a great extent.

The ceremony was graced by Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey Mehmet Ali Sahin.

The housing project was a gift from the Turkish Government and Turkish Red Crescent.

"In helping one another they did not display an iota of discrimination on the basis of race, religion or political affiliation such as UNP, JVP or JHU," the President observed.

He said Catholics sought shelter in Buddhist temples.

"Churches provided a safe environment for Buddhists.

One news item reported that Sinhalese children rushed to a Muslim village to donate blood to the needy".

The President also spoke in moving terms on the spontaneous generosity of the international community in the wake of the Boxing Day catastrophe.

"Children in certain countries donated even the small amounts of money which they had saved to buy greeting cards," President noted.

He said the dedication in recovering what they had lost and the speed which they marched forward was not second to the course of action followed by countries devastated by World War 11.

The President offering his deep gratitude to the Turkish Government expressed the wish that the housing complex will be a lasting symbol of friendship between the Government of Turkey and its people towards Sri Lanka.