The freedom of the Tamil civilians held hostage by the LTTE is near at hand and the rescue of all civilians in the small patch of land held by the LTTE will be done in 48 hours. So said President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing Sri Lankan migrant workers employed at a garment factory in Jordan, yesterday, May 14.

The President said that despite attempts by some nations to bully a small country such as Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan people stood firm to uphold the nation’s dignity and honor to live as a proud people. “We have already taken steps to settle over 200,000 displaced persons in the North under state security and we are much fast in such methods, when compared to other countries which experience war situations.”

“The next step would be to offer a political solution to the problems of Tamil people to prevent fragmentation of the country. My aim is to provide a free nation for all people to live in dignity and honor. Let us honor our gallant troops who have created such an opportunity for our people”, the President said.

Speaking further President Rajapaksa appreciated the contribution by all Sri Lankans employed in Jordon and the Middle East towards the nation’s economy, and pointed out that steps implemented by him as a minister during 1994 and 2000 enabled attending to their welfare, and find solutions to the problems faced by Sri Lankan migrant workers through such meaningful measures we offered training to many who sought employment overseas’, the President noted.

He stressed the need to find solutions to domestic and social problems that emerge in families as a result of Sri Lankan workers seeking greener pastures overseas.

President Rajapaksa pointed out to the large gathering of Sri Lankan employees that Sri Lanka has been able to maintain a reasonable level in the economy, despite the global economic recession and noted that their foreign exchange remittances contributed to the national coffers were of significance to maintain a stable level in the country’s economy and the government much appreciated such a valuable service.