'I will not allow anyone to destroy national unity'

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday reiterated that he would not allow destruction of the national unity in the country due to un-necessary issues. He stressed that he is prepared to give ear to the grievances of the people and that he is the leader of all ethnic communities in the country. "I will not allow anyone to destroy the national unity of the country", he said. The President was addressing Muslim representatives of local government institutions at Temple Trees. The local government members met the President to discuss issues in their areas.

President Rajapaksa noted that the government is bound to ensure the security of all citizens in the country devoid of their ethnicity. "The government is performing its duties and responsibilities it owes to the people who were born and bred in the country, irrespective of their ethnicity", he said.

The Muslim representatives stressed that they are prepared to perform their duties by the motherland. "We have received opportunity to work for our motherland under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa", they stated.

They noted that the Muslim community has enormous faith in the President who treats all communities equally. They vowed their unreserved support to carry forward the government's development drive by strengthening the SLFP. President Rajapaksa said that an environment has dawned in the country for all communities to live in peace and harmony without any fear. The meeting was organized by Deputy Minister Faizer Mustapha. Senior Minister A.H.M. Fowzie, Ministers Basil Rajapaksa, Deputy Minister Abdul Cader, Eastern Province Chief Minister Abdul Najeed Majeed, Parliamentarian and Presidential Advisor A.H.M. Azwer and Matale Mayor Haleem Kareem were also present.