Hasalaka hero's mom sheds tears of joy

'Recapturing Elephant Pass the best tribute to my son':

Asela KURULUWANSA

Y. G. Juliet, mother of Hasalaka hero Gamini Kularatne, who sacrificed his life by jumping before an explosive laden vehicle in 1991 said recapturing Elephant Pass was the greatest tribute anyone could pay her son.

"My son with explosives in his hand jumped before the LTTE laden vehicle," she said.

"I was saddened at the loss of my son and when I heard of the Tigers recapturing Elephant Pass. But, today our Forces, under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa paid the greatest tribute to my son by capturing Elephant Pass," she said.

"I cried the day when I lost my son. But today I am crying out of joy at the news of our Forces recapturing Elephant Pass," she said.

"People have not forgotten my son. People in my area lit crackers to celebrate the victory. They even visited me in large numbers. They appreciate my sons heroic deed," Juliet said.

She said villagers took her in a three wheeler to garland her son's statue at Hasalaka junction.

"I bless the President. Defence Secretary the Commanders and the Forces who will end LTTE terrorism soon," she said.