http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/02/29/pol01.asp


Defeating terror without rousing racism helped unite SL -President
Sandasen MARASINGHE
President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday said that the mammoth crowds in
Kilinochchi, Jaffna, the East and the rest of the country could protest unitedly
on highways on Monday, irrespective of all differences, against a resolution
before the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva against Sri Lanka because ruthless
terrorism was defeated without rousing racist passions, by the state.
He made this observation yesterday addressing the ceremony held at the BMICH
to mark the silver jubilee of the Ravaya newspaper.
He also stated that the same incident is evidence that the people identify
with the country, leaving aside race and party differences. He added that there
is an attitudinal change among the people and everybody has to make maximum use
of this moment to create one nation.
The President also stated that the international community does not have a
genuine desire to build unity among peoples of this country. He added that if
they do so, it is with a hidden agenda. He also stated that only ‘we can be our
source of strength’.
He added that when they raise human rights issues, it affects the harmony,
peace and freedom of this country. “We could preserve them only if we work
together irrespective of differences,” he said.
The President stated that supporting a government in the name of national
unity would not affect a person or a party. The President added that he requests
all to join hands to build one nation, or the future generations will blame us.
He added that the responsibility of building one nation falls not only on the
leader of the country but the other politicians, media personnel, scholars,
religious leaders etc.
The President also stated that people think that nothing was gained from the
‘71 and ‘89 uprisings and 30 year conflict. He added that we have to prevent
more such crises.
He stated the government has rehabilitated thousands of ex LTTE combatants
who handled guns from T-56 to missiles and united them with their families. “We
have set up grievance resolution committees and a Parliamentary Select Committee
to find solutions to the national issue.” He added that persons like Loku
Athula, Mahinda Wijesekara who were involved in the ‘71 uprising and others
involved in the ‘89 uprising also entered politics. “All these developments were
a result of democracy prevailing in the country.”
He said that it was not fair to say that there is no democracy in the country
while using the same democracy. He requested all to join the government’s
projects that attempt to uplift democracy and human rights.
Prime Minister D M Jayaratne, other ministers and Members of Parliament also
were present on the occasion.
Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, Professor Sarath Wijesuriya, SLMC
Deputy Secretary Nisam Kariyappar, TNA MP R Sampanthan and Editor of the Ravaya
newspaper Victor Ivan also spoke