Defeating terror without rousing racism helped unite SL -President
Sandasen MARASINGHE
President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday said that the mammoth crowds in
Kilinochchi, Jaffna, the East and the rest of the country could protest
unitedly on highways on Monday, irrespective of all differences, against
a resolution before the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva against Sri
Lanka because ruthless terrorism was defeated without rousing racist
passions, by the state.
He made this observation yesterday addressing the ceremony held at
the BMICH to mark the silver jubilee of the Ravaya newspaper.
He also stated that the same incident is evidence that the people
identify with the country, leaving aside race and party differences. He
added that there is an attitudinal change among the people and everybody
has to make maximum use of this moment to create one nation.
The President also stated that the international community does not
have a genuine desire to build unity among peoples of this country. He
added that if they do so, it is with a hidden agenda. He also stated
that only ‘we can be our source of strength’.
He added that when they raise human rights issues, it affects the
harmony, peace and freedom of this country. “We could preserve them only
if we work together irrespective of differences,” he said.
The President stated that supporting a government in the name of
national unity would not affect a person or a party. The President added
that he requests all to join hands to build one nation, or the future
generations will blame us.
He added that the responsibility of building one nation falls not
only on the leader of the country but the other politicians, media
personnel, scholars, religious leaders etc.
The President also stated that people think that nothing was gained
from the ‘71 and ‘89 uprisings and 30 year conflict. He added that we
have to prevent more such crises.
He stated the government has rehabilitated thousands of ex LTTE
combatants who handled guns from T-56 to missiles and united them with
their families. “We have set up grievance resolution committees and a
Parliamentary Select Committee to find solutions to the national issue.”
He added that persons like Loku Athula, Mahinda Wijesekara who were
involved in the ‘71 uprising and others involved in the ‘89 uprising
also entered politics. “All these developments were a result of
democracy prevailing in the country.”
He said that it was not fair to say that there is no democracy in the
country while using the same democracy. He requested all to join the
government’s projects that attempt to uplift democracy and human rights.
Prime Minister D M Jayaratne, other ministers and Members of
Parliament also were present on the occasion.
Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, Professor Sarath Wijesuriya,
SLMC Deputy Secretary Nisam Kariyappar, TNA MP R Sampanthan and Editor
of the Ravaya newspaper Victor Ivan also spoke.
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