‘A clear victory for the fight against terror’

Indika POLKOTUWA

The blessings of the Maha Sangha are with the Government to defeat terrorism and usher permanent peace in the country and the victory at the budget was a victory of the nation at a time the country was heading towards defeating terrorism, the Anunayaka of the Asgiriya Chapter Most Ven. Galagama Attadassi Thera said.

The Nayaka Thera pointed that though the intention of those groups who made efforts to defeat the budget was not clear, those who worked towards the victory of the budget has fulfilled a national requirement on their part.

He said all the efforts made by the Government by putting the LTTE to its weakest position during the past would have been in vain if the budget was defeated.

“This is yet another defeat for the LTTE and people have high hopes that this would usher permanent peace in the country by fully defeating terrorism,” the Anunayake Thera added.

The massive victory of the Government at Budget 2008 will bode well for the country’s future, Information and Media Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa said.

“This is a huge defeat for forces which wanted to strengthen the ailing LTTE. We have been able to defeat these pro-LTTE manoeuvres,” Minister Yapa told the Daily News.

“It is a victory for the people. Budget 2008 pledges to strengthen national security and also has a host of benefits for the people. We will now continue on our progressive path with even more confidence. The Government’s stability cannot be shaken,” he added.

Chief Government Whip Jeyaraj Fernandopulle said winning the Budget vote was significant as the Armed Forces were marching forward. They have launched a massive military operation to defeat the LTTE terrorism. Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe was defeated today for the 15th time.

Agriculture Development Minister Maithripala Sirisena said if by any chance the Budget was defeated, the LTTE would have benefitted. The Government was able to defeat these devious designs.

“Terrorism is about to be crushed. The Government’s victory at Budget 2008 will be an impetus to these efforts,” said Defence Affairs Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.

“This reflects people’s blessings for our efforts to defeat terrorism. We have been able to defeat Prabhakaran’s efforts to defeat this Budget and get breathing space for his organisation,” he added.

MP Basil Rajapaksa said it was a victory for the people who had given their mandate to President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The Budget is a progressive plan aimed at benefitting the people and developing the country. The Government can now go ahead with these plans with more vigour, he remarked.