Mega development programmes have been initiated in the country even while the war was proceeding, said President Rajapaksa addressing a massive public gathering at Kantale.

“We have initiated the construction of five harbours, airports, roads, electricity generation projects etc. for your benefit and the benefit of your children. Now investments are flowing into the country and new employment avenues are being generated. We have taken steps to distribute equal resources throughout the country", the President stressed.

A quality and all round education for all has been assured, he said.

What I want is a secure and a brighter future for your children. I want them to be world beaters. I want them to compete with the best in the global arena, the President said underlining his responsibility and intentions of leading the younger generation on the correct path. The President emphasized that the troubled Eastern region due to past LTTE atrocities was destined for unprecedented development.

“No one can reverse the march of the East towards development and glory,” he added. The President also cautioned the gathering to be aware of certain recent developments in the political arena in which some elements were attempting to sow seeds of division with the use of false propaganda and secret pacts to gain petty political mileage.

President Rajapaksa invited all to set aside petty differences and embark on a new journey with him (after obtaining a second successive mandate from the people on January 27), to lead Sri Lanka towards a brighter future. “The people don’t desire differences, hate politics, separatism", he stressed.

President Rajapaksa also noted that he had used his four decades of political experience to secure the victory of the country and to protect the country from various international and local conspiracies.

Now you all live without fear or doubt.

"Terrorism which plagued the nation is over. Hereafter we would never allow the ugly head of terrorism to rise again,” he said.

The President stressed that he will never breach the trust placed by the people in him under any circumstances.

He also observed that confrontational politics should end and asserted that no one had the right to spread hatred and violence, at a time when attempts were underway to build a society embedded with moral ethics.

The President said, in the east, certain disruptive elements were now spreading rumours regarding the ownership of lands and assured the eastern public that their lands were safe.

“I have no doubt that the people would give a proper answer to these conspirators and defeat these secret pacts on January 26. What we need is peace. We would not allow the law of the jungle to reign again” he added.

During the event one of the oldest members of the United National Party former MP for Trincomalee district H.D.L. Leelarathne extended his support to the President.

Making a moving speech thereafter the UNP veteran said he had come forward to strengthen the hand of the President as he had given the people of the area their long desired freedom.

“Earlier people of these areas were gripped by a fear psychosis due to the atrocities of terrorists. Their normal day to day life was disrupted with constant threats,” he said.

“In this backdrop when President Rajapaksa came to power in 2005 he gave a pledge that he would eradicate this scourge and he successfully did. Thus as grateful citizens we have an obligation to strengthen his hands at a time he is seeking a second successful mandate to build on the hard earned victories,” he added.