Faith in youths led to war victory – President

Ishara Mudugamuwa

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said he was able to win the war against LTTE terrorists as he had faith in the youths.

“The country has talented youths. Therefore, we can entrust the country’s destiny with confidence in our youths, “ he said. Participating as the Chief Guest at the second Sri Lanka Youth Parliament session at the Sri Lanka Youth premises Maharagama yesterday, President Rajapaksa said there should be different views in a country and he was happy that the views of the Opposition were also given a hearing in Sri Lanka. The President said a person could not be a leader in a few minutes like preparing instant noodles.

“Leaders should have the ability to accept defeat patiently. They should not point the finger at others when they are defeated,” he said.

“Politics should not be done with the sole intention of elections. However, elections are politics. Despite this fact, when we work for the betterment of the country, the public never praise or appreciate us. They only blame us. The future is bright for great leaders. They will never be forgotten by the masses, like they still remember Anagarika Dharmapala,” the President said.

The Sri Lanka Youth Parliament has 325 parliamentarians and 77 senators. Of this 252 are Sinhalese, 48 Tamils, 26 Muslims and five others.

Youth Affairs and Skills Development Minister Dullas Alahapperuma, Sri Lanka Youth Chairman Lalith Pium Perera, Monitoring MP Mohan Lal Grero, Ministers, parliamentarians and heads of departments also participated.