Terrorism overcome without HR violations - President

Sri Lanka which overcame ruthless terrorists without infringing human rights of the people is now stepping into the future. With hope after overcoming the crisis situation a year ago. It is now shouldering the responsibility of building national unity and co-existence by rehabilitating the economy and social structure and upgrading infrastructure facilities after strengthening security throughout the country, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said accepting the toast at a luncheon accorded to him and his delegation by Ukrainian President Victor Yanukovich yesterday.

President Rajapaksa said the vision expounded by the Ukrainian President that social progress and justice was essential for lasting economic development was befitting Sri Lanka too. He said Sri Lanka and Ukraine were two nations making a joint endeavour to the development and progress of their peoples.

President Rajapaksa said the hospitality accorded to him during his visit to Ukraine epitomised the strong friendship between the two countries. He had been able to engage in very fruitful talks during his visit to Ukraine.

President Rajapaksa said Sri Lanka as a nation took humble pride on being able to set an example to the world facing the onslaught of terrorism.

Sri Lanka was also proud that it was able to liberate the country from ruthless terrorists without infringing people's civic rights. It has also been able to register an annual economic growth rate of seven percent amidst various obstacles faced due to terrorism.

President Rajapaksa said he was also pleased to note the enormous economic and social progress achieved by Ukraine under President Victor Yanukovich's tenure.