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Tuesday, 18 January 2011

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National Thai Pongal celebrations in Jaffna:

Let us all unite –President

*Protect diverse traditions

*Terrorism a thing of the past

President Mahinda Rajapaksa joining the National Thai Pongal celebrations in Jaffna yesterday called on all politicians to work together for a united and prosperous future without promoting ethnic and religious divisions for narrow political gains.

He said that the era of segregation based on petty politics must be ended and added that Thai Pongal was a most opportune moment for such unity.

President Rajapaksa also called on all to protect and nurture the diverse cultural traditions of the land.

He observed that the Government would not allow criminal and underworld elements to raise their heads whether they are in Colombo, the South or in the North. He said that any form of terrorism would not be allowed to emerge on Sri Lankan soil hereafter.

The President expressed the above views at the National Thai Pongal celebrations held at the Duraiyappah stadium held amidst the observance of Thai Pongal traditions yesterday morning.

The President on his arrival at the venue was welcomed by 100 musicians who played the traditional ‘Nadhanjalee’ associated with the Thai Pongal celebrations.

Later, the President participated in the Thai Pongal traditions and religious observances.

A massive crowd including a large number of children, both Government and Opposition politicians were at the stadium to greet the President.

Pointing out to the gathering on the stage which included Government and Opposition politicians and religious dignitaries of all faiths from the North the President said that it was an encouraging sight and urged all of them to work in unison on behalf of the people. It is the responsibility of every politician to come forward to build a united and developed nation without sowing the seeds of racial or religious differences, he added.

The President also emphasized that it was the responsibility of all to protect the diverse cultural values and traditions of the land. Our intention is to provide the future generation a developed and prosperous nation. A nation rich with cultural values and discipline, he said.

He stressed that all the infrastructure and resources destroyed by the terrorists were being rebuilt, and development which was lagging behind during the past 30 years was being fast tracked.

For thirty years this country was on a backward trend. We have ended that era. No one in this country can live alone. Every one is a child of mother Lanka whether they are Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim or Burgher, he said.

The President also said the Government aspires to provide a better nation for the children which is not a divided one.

He said that the Government had lived up to the trust bestowed on it by the people. These areas are being developed today. We are taking forward the country which was on a backward trend for 30 years. Similar to all other provinces and districts, these areas too must be develop rapidly.

We are rebuilding roads, schools and railways which have been destroyed due to terrorism, he added.

He said that this fact was lost on some media which claim that they are being done with mere foreign aid. But remember, the Government will re-pay each cent with interest.

“If sufficient funds are unavailable to build the country, we have to acquire loans. I state that we will do everything to build a better future for your children,” he added.

Speaking in Tamil the President said, “I am pleased to be able to meet you on this National Pongal festival. I wish you all a very happy Thai Pongal. Thai Pongal is a festival for the farming community, a holy day that pays tribute to the Sun God.

“The dawn of the month of Thai is the opening of a new path ‘Trust and friendship should always prevail among people. Peace, co-existence, equity and prosperity should continue.”

The President also reiterated that the Government would provide all assistance the people of the area need. You can lay trust in me. Let us all unite. Let us build this beautiful country under one flag. You will have a prosperous future , he noted.

Minister Douglas Devananda said that all previous Governments had tried to evade the problems faced by the Tamil speaking people and the masses of the North and East.

“It was President Mahinda Rajapaksa who had bravely faced to resolve these issues,” he pointed out.

He added that there will be no room for religious, ethnic or social differences in the country hereafter under President Rajapaksa.

During the event the President distributed 41 tractors among local farmers. He also presented laptop computers to 100 students of the Jaffna University.

The President also congratulated the champion football team of Point Pedro which excelled during recent all island competitions.

He also provided Rs 3.4 million financial assistance to Hindu temples in the area to upgrade facilities.

The President also gave away presents to Priests and artistes.

Several Politicians including A Vinayagamoorthy of the TNA and V Maheshwaran of the UNP were present. Northern Governor Major General G A Chandrasiri with other local politicians and administrators were in attendance.

The President’s two day visit to Jaffna in connection with the Thai Pongal Festival ended yesterday.

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