President says at National Independence celebrations in Kandy:

Uniting hearts next task

*Next goal building efficient, advanced nation

*Last four years most meaningful era of freedom

*Golden era in international relations coming

President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the 62nd National Independence anniversary celebrations at Kandy yesterday said that having succeeded in uniting the territory he is now entrusted with the task of uniting the hearts of all sections of the people.

He would willingly take over the noble task of creating peace among all communities. The President said the last four years was the most meaningful era of freedom since the country attained Independence. He also said he would use the fresh mandate received by the people to re-establish all that was lost for the last 30 years due to the war.

“Our country which fell back in progress because of the war needs to be advanced swiftly.” He said peace alone is not enough and that an efficient advanced nation needs to be built to replace a country which is lazy, lethargic and lacks energy.

He said the nation can only be built through commitment, discipline and elimination of corruption.

The President noted that Tiger terrorism that impacted on other countries has ended and that the state of war is now over.

“We are entering into a new era of co-existence after finishing the period of some controversy. I would like to say that we are now entering a golden era of international relations.”

He said henceforth his Government will not entertain narrow divisions based on race, religion, language and political ideology in terms of regions.

“Never leave room for the politics of hate. Peace, brotherhood, co-existence and prosperity - that is our prime objective.”

President Rajapaksa said he will never betray the country and that the decisions he took from the time he decided to defeat terrorism were taken while thinking of the country’s welfare.

He did not think of political power when he took decisions to implement major projects; the Norochcholai coal power station and Upper Kotmale hydroelectric project or obtain foreign assistance to stay in power.

He did this for the development of the country.

He noted that the International Research Magazines recently reported that Sri Lanka is among 31 countries in the list of best tourist destinations and that Sri Lanka is second only to China among Asia’s fastest growing economies.

Sri Lanka is also listed among the best countries for investment. He would cordially invite investors here.

“We were able to gain such achievements because infrastructure was speedily built whilst the war was being waged.I will use this mandate given by you to re-establish all that was lost for the past 30 years due to the war.”

The President also emphasized the role of the Private sector in developing the country saying this responsibility is similar to that of the public sector. “There is a better environment for the private sector which was at a standstill during the war.”

He also spoke of the necessity of removing bureaucratic hurdles on the path to economic development as they have now removed the road barriers. The President said he will make Sri Lanka a country where people return to instead of leaving for fear of life or poverty.

Also speaking in Tamil the President said everyone will receive all facilities in equal manner. “Anyone can go anywhere freely. That is very important. This is our Motherland. All of us are children of one mother. All of us are kings today.