Lankans always ready to protect country - Dy Speaker

Sandasen MARASINGHE and Disna MUDALIGE

The large crowd which participated in the countrywide protest on Monday against the influences of the US and European countries, proved that Sri Lankans would rise to protect the country at a national crisis keeping aside party politics and ethnic and class differences, Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody said.

The Deputy Speaker made this observation at a ceremony at the Habaraduwa District Secretariat Office.

He said that international conspirators should keep in mind that not only President Mahinda Rajapaksa, but the entire Sri Lankan population of nearly 20 million and Sri Lankan expatriates all over the world, are ready to counter false allegations on human rights violations against the country unitedly.

The Deputy Speaker said that the country's development process should not be hampered by false allegations against the country.

He said that the country would not let hidden intentions of overseas LTTE alliances to be executed.

Weerakkody said that religious leaders, businessmen, fishermen, public servants and professionals came out to the streets on Monday voluntarily in large crowds to fulfill their responsibility on behalf of the country. He observed that the US and European countries which have been experiencing a series of crises are jealous to see the unity and happiness of Sri Lankans in an independent and integrated country after the conclusion of the three decade war.