All peace-loving people rejoice triumph over terrorism

The formal announcement to the nation and the world by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on May 19 from the Parliament, of the conclusion of a 26-year war, would have definitely caused great elation in the hearts of all peace-loving people in the world, says Ash-Shaikh H. Abdul Nazar, General Secretary of All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama.

He said a battle that lasted for nearly three decades, claiming the lives of thousands of people, maiming thousands, ruining properties worth thousands of millions, traumatising hundreds, displacing thousands, widowing a number of women, orphaning children, taking the lives of many an outstanding intellectual and versatile expert, devastating numerous resources, plunging the economy into a bottomless pit, obliterating this gorgeous and fascinating island and pushing back the country’s progress for many years, has now come to an end.

He said, “on behalf of the Muslim Community, I with a sense of profound gratitude, warmly and sincerely congratulate the President who accelerated the combat with courage and determination despite the heavy pressure of the international community, the Defence Secretary who acted prudently and responsibly, the chiefs of three services and the armed forces who fought pawning their lives with audacity and a sense of patriotism and the Inspector General of Police and police who stood by throughout, putting the country before self.

The able leadership of the President, brilliant guidance of the Chiefs of the three Armed Forces and stout performance of the troops should be commended by all and sundry, he said.

The remark made by the President that this victory must not be construed as a triumph of one community over the other or loss of one community to the other, is applaudable and noteworthy.

The reality is that peace has won and the terrorism has been overcome.