Safeguard hard won peace - President

Some elements who cannot bear to see the existence of a harmonious society in the North and South are trying to disturb the prevailing unity by working against the country from both within and outside, President Mahinda Rajapaksa observed.

Speaking during a workshop for Sri Lankan Freedom Party(SLFP) grass roots level members at Temple Trees yesterday, the President noted that the Northern Province which was under the grip of terrorism and infested with bombs for 30 years is becoming self sufficient today.

He pointed out that elements with vested interests who cannot bear this success were working to stifle the country's progress. The President said in this backdrop, all Sri Lankan's had a responsibility to safeguard the hard won peace without being misled by false propaganda.

President Rajapaksa stressed that he expects the support of all to build a peaceful and prosperous country for the future generations .

He also told SLFP members that the government led by him had stood up to various pressures when defeating terrorism and stressed that in future too, both he and his government is committed to make any sacrifice on behalf of the country.

Senior Minister A.H.M.Fowzie, Ministers Maithripala Sirisena, Basil Rajapaksa, Dullus Alahapperuma, Susil Premajayantha, Sumedha Jayasena, Nirmala Kotalawela, Priyankara Jayaratne, Laksman Yapa Abeywardene, M. K. D. S.Gunewardene and Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody were present on the occasion.