“Battle will continue until we completely eradicate terrorism in Sri Lanka” -President Rajapaksa

“My battle will continue until we completely eradicate terrorism in Sri Lanka”
Monday, 10 December 2007

“My battle will continue until we completely eradicate terrorism in Sri Lanka” –President reiterates in Japan
Addressing a large gathering of Sri Lankans at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel in Tokyo, President Rajapaksa said many underground currents are at work to upset
Government’s battle against terrorismHe urged the Sri Lankan expatriates to render their support in the interest of the country to curb terrorism. “I believe as patriotic citizens you expect me to fulfill my duty to protect our motherland. We have to confront many obstacles in doing so. But I would like to assure
you that my battle will continue until we completely eradicate terrorism in Sri Lanka,” the President said.
“But I would like to assure you that none of those interested parties can put the brakes on Sri Lanka’s determined battle against ruthless terrorism,” he continued.
He said even the news on Sri Lanka which goes to people around the world is distorted. “It’s indeed a pity that a section of media and some international media
groups try to defame Sri Lanka.
Some of them purposely distort the facts to discredit Sri Lanka. This is the time that we must show our unity and voice strongly against terrorism. We must put our
petty political differences aside and join together to end terrorism in Sri Lanka.”
President Rajapaksa emphasised protecting Mother Lanka should be the utmost duty and obligation of every citizen. He said nobody should teach Sri Lanka on the
protection of human rights as the island has a rich tradition of caring for one another.
Recalling the bitter experience Japan had had due to the atomic bombing in Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II, President Rajapaksa said the same people
who make a big hue and cry over human rights now, were responsible for those inhuman acts during the World Wars.
He recalled the strong cultural and social relationship between Sri Lanka and Japan. “Japan has maintained extremely good relationship with Sri Lanka and its people.
Over the years, it has genuinely helped Sri Lanka in various fields. Especially during the 2004 Tsunami calamity, Japan played a vital role,” he observed.
Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, said it was President Rajapaksa who could put a permanent end to terrorism in Sri Lanka. “During the past 24 months, he has
given able leadership for a determined battle against terrorism.
It has now been proved. We have liberated thousands of people in the North and East from the claws of the LTTE terror” Minister Bogollagama said.
Sri Lanka’s Ambassador in Japan, Ranjith Uyangoda said the dream of all Lankans living in Japan is a peaceful country without terrorism. He thanked Sri Lankan
expatriates for their contributions towards the motherland. President was gifted with a passenger transport bus for disabled soldiers, an ambulance, a first brigade truck and three double cabs by several Sri Lankan businessmen in Japan.