President Mahinda Rajapaksa made this statement while addressing a massive crowd gathered at the Duraiappah Stadium in Jaffna yesterday (Jan. 09). It is his first visit to the Jaffna peninsula after winning the war. The public of the Jaffna peninsula accorded him a rousing welcome.

Outlining future plans for Jaffna, the President said that it will be made an IT and English education hub and all steps would be taken to boost education in the area. A project would be initiated soon to build an international standard Sports Stadium in Jaffna, the President said.

“We would ensure your children a better future,” he added.

The Government is planning to construct a special irrigation project to provide water from the south to alleviate the water scarcity in the area, President said.

He assured the people of the region all they lost to the conflict and more, other than the precious lives, would be restored to them to propel the area to greater prosperity.

President Rajapaksa paid a floral tribute to the War Memorial at the Palay Army Headquarters during his Jaffna visit. President Mahinda Rajapaksa was the first Commander in Chief of the Defence Forces to visit this northernmost Army position.

Thereafter he visited Naga Viharaya in Jaffna and obtained blessings. He also visited the Nallur Kovil to receive blessings by the chief priest of the Kovil.

Following the visit to the Kovil, he had a meeting with Jaffna Bishop Thomas Savundranayagam who requested the President to find solutions to the problems of fishermen such as lack of equipment. The President promised to provide fishing equipment through the subject Minister with immediate effect.

The Bishop thanked the President for expediting the resettlement process.