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Decisive victory over savage terrorism, says Rajapaksa

COLOMBO: In a special address to the nation after the troops captured Kilinochchi on Friday, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa recalled that LTTE chief Velupillai Prabakaran had said only a few days ago that the capture of Kilinochchi was only a dream of Mr. Rajapaksa. “In truth it was not my dream alone. It was the constant dream of all Sri Lankans, whether Sinhala, Tamil or Muslim, who are opposed to separatism, racism, and terrorism, and have always sought peace, freedom and democracy.”

Mr. Rajapaksa said the capture of Kilinochchi should not be seen as one that has been won by one community over another. “It should not be interpreted as defeat of the North by the South. This is a victory for our entire nation and country.

It is a decisive victory over savage terrorism that was playing around with the blood, muscle and sinews of humans. It is a victory over venomous separatism that sought to divide people on grounds of race and religion.”

Mr. Rajapaksa said there were some who tried to present Kilinochchi as the capital of a separate state and it was believed not only by the international media but also by those engaged in diplomacy.

“No more is this capital of its dream separate state the property of the LTTE. The mandate given to me by the people in the Presidential Election of 2005 was to ensure that the entire country is governed under a single legal system.”

He said the time was not very far when the people of the North who have been held hostage by the LTTE for several decades will be able to enjoy the freedom that is their right. “As the Head of State of Sri Lanka I give you my pledge today, that not only shall we accept the responsibility to ensure your own security and freedom, but the future security and freedom of your children, too.”

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