Sri Lankan President warns of attempts to derail peace in the country

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa today warned of both local and international attempts by creating communal and religious hatred among the citizens to derail the peace established in the island after ending the war four years ago.
The President pointed out that the Northern Province which was devastated by terrorism for over three decade has at present become self-sufficient in many aspects and some international forces no please with the development are trying to destroy the progress made in the war-battered areas.

Addressing a workshop held in the Temple Trees today to empower the grass root level representatives of the main constituent party of the ruling alliance, Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), the President urged each and every citizen to work collectively to safeguard the hard won peace in the country without falling prey to rumors. He said he expects of every citizen to commit to rebuild the country.

Recalling the pressure applied on the government by international forces to abandon the battle against terrorism in the final stages of the war, the President said the government led by the SLFP stood firm and faced the challenges to achieve the peace that is enjoyed today.

The President said his government never hesitates to punish the violators of law and order. He stressed that the government is committed to continue the development programs without selling public properties and stands ready to make any sacrifice for the people of the country.

Senior Minister A.H. M. Fowzie, Ministers Maithripala Sirisena, Basil Rajapaksa, Susil Premajayantha, Dullas Alahapperuma, Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena, Sumeda Jayasena, Nirmala Kotelawala, Priyankara Jayaratne, M.K.D.S. Gunawardena and Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody, also were present at the event.