Sri Lanka will triumph over conspirators- President

Rasika Somarathna and Dhanushka Godakumbura

President Mahinda Rajapaksa observed yesterday that as it did over terrorism, Sri Lanka should also strive to triumph over forces which were conspiring to tarnish its image abroad, by propagating falsehoods.

The President was of the opinion that the countries propaganda machinery had not being as effective as its military machinery.

He added there had being drawbacks when countering the malicious campaign abroad which sought to tarnish the image and bring disrepute to the country.

The President made these observations addressing a gathering of Galle district Agriculture Research Assistants, Fishermen and Samurdhi officers at Temple Trees. While noting that there was an internationally originated move to question the conduct of the Sri Lankan military during the recently concluded humanitarian operation, the President asked whether it was a crime to conduct a military operation in order to save the country from the clutches of terrorism.

He further said that these war crimes allegations had been leveled based on some media reports and claims made by certain opposition politicians and added that these forces through their conduct were trying to betray their own country.

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Felix Perera, Trade, Marketing Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs Minister Bandula Gunawardene and Youth Affairs Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi also addressed the gathering.