Terrorism will be eradicated - President

Chaminda PERERA & Asela KURULUWANSA

The Security Forces’ endeavour to liberate the people living under the clutches of terrorists will not be reversed under any circumstances, until the desired objectives are met, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The President made these observations when the representatives of Licensed Tea Traders Association in the Ratnapura district met him at the President’s house in Kandy.

The President said the people had given him a clear mandate to eradicate terrorism and bring the dividends of development to the urban and rural areas alike.

“The Security Forces engaged in the massive humanitarian mission in the North have made vast strides in eradicating terrorism which has posed a threat to the country’s stability.

“Our mission is against those who are having a dream of carving out a separate state in the country. The Security Forces have gained many victories and will continue their efforts till terrorism is completely eradicated from the country.

“Pro - terrorist forces operating in the country and outside are trying to halt this process. We are creating an atmosphere soon in which people of all communities could live in peace?’ he said.

“The University students have become a cat’s paw of certain political elements which have failed to retain the people’s confidence. These students are being taken for a ride by these unscrupulous elements to achieve their narrow and petty political gains”.

The Parents should also be responsible for this situation. When parents distance themselves from their children after they become adolescents this kind of tendencies is inevitable” the President said.

“These elements intensified their campaigns using University students ,the cream of the nation after the Madhu area was liberated. Some segments of society also help them achieve their nasty objectives.

What they imply by all these activities is to halt the on going humanitarian endeavour of liberating innocent civilians under the boots of terrorists,” President Rajapaksa said”.

“Some political parties in a futile effort levelled various allegations that world leaders were reluctant to attend the 15th SAARC Summit in Colombo due to security concerns. But, all their campaigns became a farce when all leaders participated in the inauguration of the SAARC Summit.

“Some media organisations level baseless allegations against the Government.

The country has received a number of concessions from various friendly countries such as Iran, China and India. The Iranian Government provides oil to Sri Lanka for seven months without interest”.

“We are not ready to betray the country and the people should shed their petty political, racial and ethnic differences and unite for the country. The country should be their first priority”.

“The Mathata Thitha programme has been fully implemented islandwide and the illicit drug menace has been completely wiped out of the country.

“rural villages have seen massive development under the Government. A series of programmes were implemented at village level. We have provided all infrastructure and other basic facilities to the villages.

The Government is striving to achieve its development targets while equal attention is paid to eradicating terrorism,” the President said.