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A special message to the people issued by Her Excellency the President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga 24th May 2000 Clergy of other religions,' My dear parents, brothers, sisters and children. People of Sri Lanka in their entirety are today facing a most decisive moment in their history. The whole nation is facing a grave crisis as regards national security. We have to face the battle of protecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of the country and safeguarding the people. Our heroic brothers in the security forces are leading the forefront of this battle with the blessings of all the people. Our heroic soldiers are engaging in battle in a fearless and courageous manner to prevent a division of our country. They have a deep resolve to achieve victory. Not only the war heroes but their parents, spouses, children, brothers and sisters and relatives and friends are acting with a great sense of dedication at this moment. The whole nation's honour and gratitude is due to the parents and relatives for sending their youthful sons and daughters to the battle front. It is heartening to note that a majority of people in Sri Lanka have volunteered to make lavish contributions towards this battle against terrorism. Everyone has made their contributions according to their means. I need not specially re-emphasise the need for all people to unite at a moment like this. Everyone should join hands with the war heroes to share their happiness and grief. I would request you to make some sacrifices towards this. 1. When our heroic soldiers are engaged in battle sacrificing their own lives it will be morally wrong for people in other areas to conduct various celebrations and rejoice. Therefore I request everyone to refrain from holding unnecessary celebrations. It is the duty of us all to contribute towards this battle to ensure national security by conducting only celebrations which are most essential. Ceremonies such as weddings and opening ceremonies and state functions with the participation of ministers and MPs. I request you to conduct them in a most simple way. I request you to direct the money earmarked for such functions towards the success of the war effort. 2. On this occasion I wish to make a special request from employees in the public and private sectors. I humbly request you to donate at least two days pay per month during the next few months towards this national endeavor. cabinet ministers have already donated their salaries towards it and MPs have decided not to draw their increased salary. These contributions can be remitted to the National Security Fund set up under the Ministry of Defence or the district offices set up by the War Heroes Services Authority (Ranaviru Seva Adhikariya). We hope to set up special units all district secretaries under the chairmanship of respective District Secretaries for this purpose. You can hand over your contributions to these units and obtain a receipt. I request one and all to help ensure national security and safeguard the country's territorial integrity by making your contributions. However, I shall warn you to beware of unscrupulous persons who may try to cash in on situations like this. 3. Several welfare programs have been already launched for the benefit of dependents of departed war heroes and the welfare of injured soldiers as well as those engaged in action. Details about these programs will be announced in the media shortly. Once again I request you to assist in these programs. I also wish to state that we have decided to observe a special day dedicated to the welfare of war heroes. This War Heroes Day will be observed on June 7. I would request you to observe two minutes silence in honour of our war heroes on this day in all schools and institutions before starting days work. I
have no doubt that you will fully agree with me that the security of the
nation supersedes all considerations at this decisive moment. Let us
eschew all petty considerations and unite to safeguard the nation. Let us
join hands, let us be magnanimous and fight together to achieve victory.
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