Challenges impeding progress overcome - President

Danushka Godakumbura and Chaminda Perera

The Government has succeeded in surmounting all barriers and obstacles originating in Parliament and outside it that could impede its forward march, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday.

President Rajapaksa was speaking at the presentation of books published by S. Godage publishers for 2007 at Temple Trees yesterday. Over one thousand books authored by 260 writers were presented to the President on this occasion.

"There is no truth in the charge that the Government is inclined towards war but we are compelled to fight terrorism which is a threat to humanity," the President said. "The Government clearly understands the difference between communalism and nationalism. Hence, we are striving to create an environment in which Sinhalese, Muslims, Tamils, Burghers and Malays could live in harmony," he added.

The Government is entrusted with the responsibility of eradicating terrorism which poses a great threat to the country and the world. The Security Forces are in the forefront of protecting the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty but some teledramas and films develop an attitude among the public that diminishes their morale, the President observed.

"I have very close acquaintance with S. Godage and his family from the days I was at the Vidyodaya University," he said. Higher Education Minister Wiswa Warnapala said the President has a thorough knowledge of works. This effort will create a closer link between the President and the public, he said.