Terrorism to be uprooted from the motherland in 2007- PM

The Prime Minister and the Deputy Minister of Defence Honourable Rathnasiri Wickramanayake said that the country must achieve its goal in uprooting terrorism form Sri Lankan soil in year 2007, to make her journey to peace and prosperity a success.

Speaking to the Staff members of the Ministry of Defence this morning (Monday the 1st January 2007) the Prime Minster underscored, that the New Year will be the most deceive year for the Defence Ministry since it has a huge responsibility in the process of eradicating terrorism.

"The Defence Ministry must ensure the process go unhindered since the eradication of brutal terrorism is of utmost important to the country's development" the Premier said.

"In the name of Freedom and Democracy no true Sri Lankan should oppose the process (uprooting terrorism), because if we are to protect our motherland we have to make her free from terrorism"

"It is our duty directs all diverse forces towards the achievement of this noble objective, the Premier added.

Speaking further, he explained, though differences, disparities and disputes might exists among diverse parties; the President's vision for the country is one that can be shared among all.

"We all are going for one objective. It is to ensure a society that equity, love, and kindness are held as the most sacred values" he added.

The Premier also pointed out that the project to achieve president's vision- "Mahinda Chinthna" is already underway in its fullest vigour.

"We have already taken measures to transcend the development process beyond Western province. An International harbour and an Air Prot is being built in the rural south, many other projects to uplift infrastructure facilities such as roads, electricity, and water to rural areas are also underway"

Finally, Prime Minister Wicrmanayake pointed out that the greatest obstacle for the achievement of President's vision is the prevailing terrorism in certain parts of the country.

"Let us have hope that we would be able to overcome this obstacle and achieve peace and prosperity to our motherland this year" he concluded.

Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapakse , Additional Secretary Defence Sunil Sirisena, Military Liaison Officer General (Retired) Palitha Fernando , Director General of the Media Centre for National Security Lauxman Hulugalle and Senior Officials of the Ministry of Defence were also present at the occasion.