“My earnest plea to the terrorists is to lay down arms and join the democratic process, even at this last moment. If not, they would be militarily defeated”, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the ongoing military operations to defeat terrorism, in his Budget Speech to Parliament today ( 06).

The President said: “I am glad to note that at the moment the Budget is being presented, our hopes are advancing their operations having rescued a vast area in the Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu Districts. I am so glad not only on account of the bravery and victories of our armed forces. I also value the thoughts from a humanitarian point of view that the day on which we can rescue around 200,000 of our own fellow citizens living in the affected areas from the grip of terror, is near. Our security forces are fighting against the worst terrorist group in the world, without causing any destruction to civilians, dams, hospitals, schools, temples or churches. These operations are truly commendable. Hon. Speaker, I propose a special honour of this august House, be offered to our security forces.

He added that: “Terrorist activities are now confined to a few Divisional Secretariat divisions and their strength is gradually deteriorating. I know that the day on which such Divisional Secretariat divisions will be relieved by our heroic forces without harming any public property is not far away. Even during this period the terrorists can join the democratic process. We are committed to rehabilitate terrorists and rehabilitate them to society as productive citizens. Therefore, my earnest plea to the terrorists is to lay down arms and join the democratic process, even at this last moment, If not they would be defeated.

Further we would also take steps to conduct Local Government elections and Provincial Council Elections in the North. We should also take simultaneous action to implement our development plans on an urgent basis to rebuild infrastructure facilities which had been destroyed by terrorists themselves in the North, and also take immediate action to develop the North which remained neglected without any development for nearly 30 years.