President assures honourable peace

Wimal PREMARATNE in Kekirawa

KEKIRAWA: President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday assured that he would bring an end to the decade long bloodshed in the country ushering honourable peace ensuring the security of people to traverse from the point of Dondra to Point Pedro free from any fear or doubt.

The President gave this assurance when he attended the foundation stone laying ceremony to construct the new Dagoba “Mahinda Saama Chaityaya” at Priyangala Raja Maha Viharaya, Madatugama, Kekirawa at a cost of Rs. 125 million yesterday.

The foundation stone laying ceremony was held with the participation of the Maha Sangha and devotees including North Central Province Chief Minister Berty Premalal Dissanayake.

Addressing the gathering, the President asserted that he will find a solution to major problems of the people and usher peace by the time when the construction of the Saama Chetiya was completed and the pinnacle was to be placed.

“I will do so not by giving bribes and ransom to anybody or by betraying the Motherland to any force,” the President added.

Referring to rumours about disappearances and abductions, President Rajapaksa said investigations have revealed that the permanent residences of those who are missing are in Killinochchi.

“The rumours of disappearances emanate from certain quarters to discredit the Government,” he added.

The President said the Government and the private sector allocated Rs. 5,000 million to purchase paddy this season.

The motive of this allocation is to strengthen the masses, he said.

Indigenous Medicine Minister Tissa Karalliyadda, Nation Building Minister S.M. Chandrasena and a several Parliamentarians were also present at this ceremony.