This is the time for all expatriate Sri Lankans to use their knowledge and skills to develop the motherland, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing Sri Lankan businessmen, professionals and University students in Nepal yesterday (29).

“When I visited Nepal in March this year, we were fighting to free our motherland from terrorism but today I am addressing you as a leader, who liberated the country from terrorism”, the President further said. People of all races and religions have an opportunity to enjoy their freedom, he added.

President further noted that a major development programme has been launched in Eastern and Northern Provinces respectively through Awaking East (Negenahira Navodaya) and Northern Spring (Uthuru Vasanthaya) and the actions have already been taken for the immediate resettlement of IDPs.

“The children who used to carry guns are now carrying school bags and going to school. Their dreams which were shattered due to terrorism, have now come true”, President further stated.

The President stressed "If we need to pay tribute to our war heroes we have to achieve our development targets".