World leaders admire President's speech - PM

'Under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa the nation was able to eradicate thirty years of terrorist activities.

"Sri Lanka was capable of achieving such a marvelous victory which any other country could not achieve.

"The speech delivered by the President in New York was admired by world leaders. It was a very important speech,' said Prime Minister D M Jayaratne.

He mentioned this addressing the fifth Buddhist Literary Ceremony at the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress on September 26. The ceremony was held under the patronage of Asgiri Chapter Mahanayake most Ven Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Thera.

The prime minister said that, to achieve this victory, the blessings of the Maha Sangha and the strength of the people were very helpful.

'As a nation we have to go a very long way. To rise as a great nation, the government expects the blessings of the Maha Sangha, he said.

Holding Buddhist literary ceremonies are very important to uplift spiritual values.

Under the guidance of Arahath Mahinda Thera, the country got a very good civilization. The country's literature had a great influence of the teachings of the Buddha,' the prime minister said.