President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Address to the
Nation on Kilinochchi victory
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Most
honourable victory in the annals of military heroism.
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Major victory
in the world’s battle against terrorism.
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Troops have
sacrificed much to achieve this extraordinary victory.
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All citizens
are stakeholders in this great victory.
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“You will recall that two weeks ago I told you from this very place
that the New Year that will dawn will be the Year of Heroic Victory of
our troops.
Today, on the second day of this heroic year, I am now ready to
reveal to you the proud news of the most honourable victory in the
annals of military heroism that runs through many centuries of our
history.
Although the leader of the LTTE had said only a few days ago that the
capture of Kilinochchi was only a dream of Mahinda Rajapaksa, in truth
it was not my dream alone. It was the constant dream of all Sri Lankans,
whether Sinhala, Tamil or Muslim, who are opposed to separatism, racism,
and terrorism, and have always, sought peace, freedom and democracy.
Today, our heroic troops have made that dream a reality.
A short while ago, our brave and heroic troops have fully captured
Kilinochchi that was considered the main bastion of the LTTE. Our troops
have completely taken over the fortress of the LTTE that has been
described by our own leaders and accepted internationally as the most
powerful terrorist organisation in the world.
Whatever the words or language used to describe it, this is truly an
incomparable victory. What our heroic troops have achieved is not only
the capture of the great fortress of the LTTE, but a major victory in
the world’s battle against terrorism. The entire world must today
appreciate the outstanding success of the Sri Lankan troops.
One must not belittle this victory as one that has been won by one
community over another. It should not be interpreted as a victory of the
South over the North.
This is a victory for our entire nation. It is a decisive victory
over savage terrorism that was playing around with the blood, muscle and
sinews of humans. It is a victory over venomous separatism that sought
to divide people on grounds of race and religion.
There were some who tried to present Kilinochchi as the capital of a
separate State. We have seen in the recent past how this was believed
not only by the international media but also by those engaged in
diplomacy. No more is this capital of its dream separate State the
property of the LTTE.
The mandate given to me by the people in the Presidential Election of
2005 was to ensure that the entire country is governed under a single
legal system.
It was to affirm the unity of the country that had been divided
through various agreements.
We directed the Armed Forces and all defence agencies to implement
that mandate given by the people.
Today, we see those expectations becoming a reality. 2009 has already
increased our faith is the success of this achievement. Our heroic
troops have sacrificed much to achieve this extraordinary victory. They
sacrificed their limbs, organs and lives for this noble task.
Therefore, on this victorious occasion it is but right that we remain
grateful to those heroic troops who have sacrificed so much for the
country.
On this historic occasion, as the Head of State, I extend the honour
and gratitude of the entire nation to our heroic troops. Similarly, I
bestow the honour and gratitude of the entire country on the Chief of
Staff, Commanders of the Army, Navy and Air Force, the Inspector General
of Police, the Secretary of Defence, and all commanding officers who
gave leadership to this historic victory.
It is necessary to include all of the citizens of Sri Lanka as
stakeholders in this great victory.
History will record the manner in which you have rejected the many
conspiracies that were launched to betray and prevent this victory, and
assisted in this great task with true and honest love for the
Motherland.
All of us have given the necessary leadership to this battle in our
own way, fearless of the dangers to our lives.
Our motherland wants you to have this commitment and patience for a
short while longer.
I call upon you to continue with your commitment to the country until
the final act of this false Eelam struggle is played to its finish in
the small territory of jungle in Mullaitivu it is confined to today, and
the LTTE is fully and finally defeated.
I also wish to send a message; the final message to the LTTE, to lay
down their arms and surrender. The time is not very far when the people
of the North who have been held hostage by the LTTE for several decades
will be able to enjoy the freedom that is their right.
As the Head of State of Sri Lanka I give you my pledge today, that
not only shall we accept the responsibility to ensure your own security
and freedom, but the future security and freedom of your children, too.
Let us all be committed to build one Sri Lankan nation that stands
with dignity and pride under a single flag. Let us pledge to be a single
nation in an undivided country.
Our collective commitment will undoubtedly rise above all obstacles
and challenges that may lie ahead. May you be blessed by the Noble
Triple Gem!
May you receive the blessings of all Deities!” |