Terrorism threat not over -PM

Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka speaking as the chief guest at the 85th annual Nikini Pinkama ceremony and Sarana Keerthi Abinandana Ulela at Seruwawila on Saturday said that he had always maintained that terrorism could be defeated only by military means.

“This is my personal opinion and I publicly said it at all occasions, the Prime Minister said.

“I always spoke against terrorism and not against the minorities also I never contributed to any effort to deny the rights of the minorities, he said.

“Just because the leaders are no more, we can’t think terrorism is defeated hundred percent.

“At a time when all the communities have extended their cooperation to work for the benefit of the country, these terrorists are engaged in collecting funds and purchasing planes in foreign countries.

The former Chief Prelate of Seruwawila Raja Maha Viharaya was a true patriot who wished to see the emergence of a righteous society in a united Sri Lanka. Today this Government has been able to accomplish this task, the Prime Minister said.

Minister of Nation Building Susantha Punchinilame, Eastern Province Governor Rear Admiral Mohan Wijayawickrema, Chairman of Eastern Provincial Council M. K. D. S. Goonewardene and several others were also present at the occasion.