“ This is the Motherland of us all. We should live in this country as the children of one mother, as brothers and sisters. There can be no differences here.

The war fought against the LTTE was not a war fought against the Tamil people. Our Heroic Troops sacrificed their lives to save the innocent Tamil people from the clutches of the LTTE. We cannot forget the great service rendered by them.

The victory we gained defeating the LTTE, is a victory for our entire land. It is great victory you obtained. It is a victory for all who live in our country.

The war against the terrorists is now over. It is now the time to win over the hearts of the Tamil people. The Tamil speaking people should be protected. They should be able to live without fear and mistrust. That is today the responsibility of us ”

President Mahinda Rajapaksa in Tamil, at Victory Day Parade and National Tribute to Security Forces,
June 3, 09