President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited Kilinochchi and Mulativu Districts today (04) and met the security forces and resettled IDPs. This was the first time that the President met resettled IDPs.

Addressing the resettled IDPs in Thunukkai of the Mulativu District, the President stated that the government is taking steps to resettle all IDPs as soon as the de-mining is completed.

'I know the pain you went through for a long period. The terrorists manipulated you and brought great injustice to you', President stated.

'This is our country, we all have to live like sons of one mother. This country does not tolerate ethnic, racial, religious, caste or provincial discriminations. We have to resolve our own problems', he stressed.

Speaking to the army for the first time since winning the battle against LTTE terrorism, the President announced a pay rise to the security forces with immediate effect.

The President stated that this decision was taken while considering the great sacrifices the security forces made for the country for which he is extremely grateful.

Addressing the security forces at Mulankaweli, the President further stated that although they carried out an enormous service, not once did they ask for a pay rise or for various benefits.

He stated that for the past 30 years there were no other government which kept trust in the security forces as this government and stressed that the security forces should win the hearts of the Tamil people like they won the war and called to contribute to the development of the country.