Capture of Kilinochchi:

Victory for all Lankans - PM

The capturing of Kilinochchi is a victory for all Sri Lankans, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka said.

Pro-terrorist elements maintained right through that access to Kilinochchi would be only a dream, he added.

The Forces have however, fulfilled their mission. Some self-styled leaders demoralised the Security Forces and placed obstacles against their forward march, he said.

The Prime Minister in a message said: "We always placed our full confidence in our Forces. They have made our dream a reality. Opportunity is still available for the LTTE to join the democratic mainstream and participate in the development of their areas and also work for the well-being of the Tamil community."

The Prime Minister said the Government's main objective is to identify the needs of the people in the North and East as well as in other parts of the country and develop such areas.

"We salute our Security Forces who have defeated terrorism and cleared the road to the North."