'President ended three decade long terrorism'

Irangika Range

'All Sri Lankans irrespective of their party, colour, race and religion are grateful to President Mahinda Rajapaksa for uniting the country after putting an end to the three decade long terrorist war,' Ports and Highways Deputy Minster Rohitha Abeygunawardene said.

Deputy Minister Abeygunawardene was speaking after opening the "Rajatha Dekma" photographic exhibition by Sudath Silva who celebrates 25 years in photography, held in Napoli city, Italy yesterday.

"By ending the conflict and ushering peace to Sri Lanka, President Mahinda Rajapaksa became the best statesman in the world," the minister said.

Abeygunawardene said Sudath Silva who served as an official photographer for four successive Presidents of Sri Lanka is one of the best creative artistes who rendered a great service to the country.

His exhibition will greatly help to convey the clear message to the world about Sri Lanka's ongoing massive development programmes after the elimination of terrorism. The deputy minister thanked Italians for the support provided to Sri Lankan security forces during the war. He requested Sri Lankans living abroad to help Sri Lanka meet its development goals.

Meanwhile, a memento was presented to the Organizer of the UPFA 's Campaniya branch in Napoli Edmand Ranasinghe who rendered yeomen service for over four decades. Sri Lankans living in Napoli, Italy also presented a special memento to Sudath Silva for the great service rendered by him to President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Nation. The exhibition will also be held in Modena, Verona, Milano and Rome on July 6, 7,9 and 10 respectively.