Government will not use war for political gain
– President   
[Friday, January 25, 2008 - 5.10 GMT]   

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said his government would not either handover terrorism to the future generations or uses the war for political gain or leverage.

President made these comments at the Gallantry Awards ceremony held at BMICH yesterday (January 24) to confer Weera Wickrama Vibhushanaya, Rana Wickrama Padakkama and the Rana Sura Padakkama to the personnel of the Armed Forces.

President Rajapaksa reiterated that his Government would not retreat nor could it be made to retreat by anyone from the victorious path they are now treading to eradicate terrorism totally from the Motherland.

"There was an era the terrorists were assumed to be indomitable. This mistaken concept has been proved to be a myth. Instead, you and your Motherland are supreme, invincible and indomitable," President said.

The President praised the heroism shown by the security forces in winning an array of battles such as the Mavil Aru, Muthur, Vakarai, Thoppigala and the Eastern region, with zero civilian casualties, and have reached the last phase in eliminating terrorism from the country.

“We will not blame the war and hinder the country's development, nor shirk in our duties and responsibilities. However, we have created an environment where our Armed Forces could fight a war freely."

We will create an environment where your children could have a quality education and you all could enjoy and cherish freedom in abundance. We will ensure that your country which you have duly protected, is not betrayed by anybody," he said.

We need to give a political solution now, for all communities to live in harmony sans fear or suspicion, fully protected from the cruel grip of terrorism.

We are all stakeholders of this war which is no respecter of persons and impacts the whole world."

President pointed out that the terrorists have deceived not only the national leaders but world leaders as well, such as former Indian Premier the late Rajiv Gandhi, by projecting themselves as the true representatives and liberators of their people.

President further said that our Sri Lankan security forces have set an example who showed and proved to the world that the terrorists were no match for them.