We can solve our own problems: MR

27 May 2011 04:20 am - 109 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said today terrorism in a country began with the shooting down of the truth and added that even after the war the Tamil Tigers continued to target the truth and this had resulted in conspiracies and false reports against Sri Lanka and its war heroes.

“We do not hesitate to ensure the democratic and human rights of the citizens living in the North and East. But we will not heed the demands of separatists or terrorists. When people in this country do not accept their demands, they look for ways to make us bow down using foreign influence,” he said.

Addressing the Ranaviru Day celebrations at the Galle Face green to mark the completion of two years after the victory against LTTE terrorism, President Rajapaksa said with the huge amount of money the terrorists have amassed they continue to spread rumors, conspire and spread false propaganda against Sri Lanka.

In a message to the nation, broadcast live on television and radio, the President said:

“Even though terrorism was eradicated from Sri Lanka, terrorists living abroad continue to work to destroy our country. Those abroad, misusing the democratic freedom and their right to vote in the countries of their domicile, are influencing those countries against us in campaigns against us,” he said.
“After uniting the country by defeating the most ruthless terrorism in the world, today we are able to hoist our national flag with dignity and honour. Adding Human Rights to the Constitution will not guarantee those rights to the people of the country. If someone robs the right to life, it is only by ensuring the right to life can we preserve human rights. Therefore, today we also celebrate the victory of ensuring the Right to Life of thousands of citizens.

“You are aware that we have been able to draw a new map of Sri Lanka through the development revolution taking place. The North and East won by war heroes are fast becoming prosperous, in place of the hardship that prevailed earlier. After removing the border village concept from Sri Lanka’s map, we are taking measures to delete the words displaced and destitute from our vocabulary. Many thousand acres of land sowed with landmines are now being cultivated. Thousands of displaced civilians have been resettled with all the facilities, from shelter, bedding to mosquito coils. Likewise, reconstruction of the North and East is a major development task in our history.

“With rays of freedom rising in the north and east, the rays of development are also dawning on people in those areas. People in those areas should bear in mind that what we rebuild rapidly are the public properties destroyed by terrorists.

When we rebuild the north and east destroyed by the terrorists, the world knows what the terrorists who are abroad did during past two years. Since the country was united with the death of the last LTTE leader in Vellimullaiwaikkal on May 19.

Sri Lanka did not build up its armed forces to invade countries but an armed forces service committed to rebuild the country with utmost commitment and love to the people. We will not hesitate to ensure the democratic and human rights of citizens living in the North and East. But we will not heed to the demands of separatists or terrorists. When people in this country do not accept their demands, they look for ways to make us bow down using foreign influence. But I must emphasize that no one can do anything in this country without the consent of our people. It is only we who can solve our own problems, and no one else.

I will recall what I said in the past that our troops went to the battlefront carrying a gun in one hand, the Human Rights Charter in the other, food for the innocent displaced on their shoulders, and love of their children in their hearts. They did not target any community or religion and did not march ahead with hatred towards anyone.

After the death of the terrorist leader, we took care of his mother and father. We still look after the families of leaders who surrendered. We were able to protect our country over the centuries from invaders because we did not hate any race, religion or person.

It is based on the great Buddhist traditions that do not preach hatred towards any race or person, and also on the core values of other religions that we fought against the most ruthless, most cruel terrorist organization in the world.

We are the only country that fought the terrorists fighting against us while feeding them and providing them with medicines. Therefore, when we see how some countries carry out operations against enemies today, we are proud of the humanitarian nature of our operation against the enemy. We were with you in the battlefield. It is same today. We will not betray you before the world.

We did not confine you to barracks after the end of the humanitarian operation. We gave you an important role to play in the task of rebuilding our motherland.

From the Foreign Service to the beautifying of Colombo City, war heroes contribute immensely for the betterment of this country. You, who shed your blood for this country, are today toiling for the development process of the country. Your discipline and the commitment have placed a high demand for your services in many sectors.

Whenever we step with freedom on this motherland, we must remember with honour that there are thousands of Great Heroes of War at rest on this soil. I state with pride, that even at this very moment, our war heroes are ready to make the supreme sacrifice for the protection of this country.
To make the sacrifice made by war heroes more meaningful, we have to build a great future for people to live in harmony. We have shown to the world that we are capable of doing so.

The best way to meet our future challenges is to strengthen national unity. Today we do not hear a single incident of communal disharmony in this country. Two years ago, we celebrated the victory over terrorism without hurting the feelings of any community.

Today, Sinhalese take part in Vel processions. Tamils participate with enthusiasm when Sinhalese conduct Sambuddhatva Jayanthi celebrations. Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims alike went sightseeing in the night to see Vesak decorations.

It is our responsibility to preserve this bond between communities. I emphasize to all political parties and groups that it will do no good to reopen the healing wounds, to continue to dig up the past, and creating disharmony and hatred among people will be of no benefit. The only way to secure this the freedom of our land and this victory is to protect this great bond between communities.

Those committed to bring peace to the country are pleased to see that people who were once hiding in the jungles with their kids are freely moving about today without any fear at all. When you see the land burdened with landmines is now being cultivated and the sea routes used by suicide vessels of the Sea Tigers now being used by our fishermen to earn their livelihood, you will realize that your sacrifices have not been in vain. Your hearts will be filled with happiness to see children who inherited the suicidal cyanide capsule, now learning in schools. I pay tribute to everyone who was committed to make our motherland free, content and prosperous, President Rajapaksa added.

President Rajapaksa was given a 21-gun salute and a guard of hounour on his arrival at the venue of the celebrations by the three armed forces and the police after which a victory day parade by the armed forces, police and the civil defence force took place.

The armed forces also displayed their military hardware that included multi barrel rocket launchers, rocket and missile launchers, battle tanks and armoured cars. The Sri Lanka Navy and the Air Force gave a display of air and naval maneuvers”. (SAJ)

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 109

Bumba Friday, 27 May 2011 04:23 AM

He should have listened to the speech given by Obama to the British House of Parliament. The gist was that just because you are a leader of the nation, you can not ill treat your citizens.

malkanthi Friday, 27 May 2011 04:24 AM

Surely, it goes loud and clear without saying.

WISDOM Friday, 27 May 2011 04:38 AM

WELL SAID!

SF Friday, 27 May 2011 04:38 AM

Exactly! just like we solved the terrorist problem....

Jehan Mubarak Friday, 27 May 2011 04:40 AM

Yeah right.! The government is in major debt to many countries and he says 'we can solve our own problems'

Prabhath Patabendi Friday, 27 May 2011 04:54 AM

Release all political prisners including SF and remove emergency!! Resettle all refugees without delay. Then only World accepts our stand as a true nation.

kasper Friday, 27 May 2011 04:53 AM

We only want your money

Kivulegedara Friday, 27 May 2011 05:11 AM

What about the University Teachers Salary Problem!

bakamoona Friday, 27 May 2011 05:27 AM

no pobbom.

Oyage sudu kella Friday, 27 May 2011 05:31 AM

YES WE CAN !!!!!

bribe Friday, 27 May 2011 05:37 AM

Already passed two years.

P WIJESEKERA Friday, 27 May 2011 06:00 AM

That is true. We need not send Prof GL Peiris all over the world to canvass Internantional support

Konde Bendapuchhena Friday, 27 May 2011 06:00 AM

So far so good,except some issues but much better than CBK & others

Sammy Friday, 27 May 2011 05:56 AM

Sure we can but it has been with the assistance of others as well. Let there be pride but not arrogance.

laxman Friday, 27 May 2011 06:14 AM

Before solving any problems one has to acknowledge there is a problem; The denial has been the only problem solver so far!!!

Jana Friday, 27 May 2011 06:19 AM

Then what about IMF loan

Dinesh Friday, 27 May 2011 06:43 AM

How about bridging budger deficit...Can it be done without foreign loans?

DHA Friday, 27 May 2011 06:46 AM

Every one must feel it in their heart that this is our country.....then we can solve any problems.......!!!

dohaboy Friday, 27 May 2011 06:49 AM

i think in that case we should also stop borrowing... if we are self sufficient to solev our problems

prkiruba Friday, 27 May 2011 06:50 AM

Victory day celebation will not serve any purpose other than to incite racil hatred???

roast Friday, 27 May 2011 07:15 AM

hey dinesh well said..

malkanthi Friday, 27 May 2011 06:55 AM

You have mistaken, America is full of Democrasy, and we are full of Democrazy.

Ceylonese Friday, 27 May 2011 06:57 AM

Good saying.
India or Iceland both must be treated the same. No matter the distance and the size.

Ranjith Friday, 27 May 2011 06:57 AM

What happened to the reply???

Mayu Friday, 27 May 2011 07:00 AM

That speech for wise men in the world!

Punchi Putha Friday, 27 May 2011 07:21 AM

One of the benefactors

Mayu Friday, 27 May 2011 07:22 AM

So the action follows, is it?

Mayu Friday, 27 May 2011 07:07 AM

Was it well said in the UN report!

Jana Friday, 27 May 2011 07:30 AM

talk to gallery

harry Friday, 27 May 2011 07:17 AM

Borrowing means huge debts that the future generations will have to grapple with sadly.

UK TAMIL BOY Friday, 27 May 2011 07:38 AM

When? how long would it take??
does anyone know the answer???

shehan jayawardene Friday, 27 May 2011 07:50 AM

He can fool most of the people all of the time...but he can never fool some of the people including the International Community any of the time!

sinnan Friday, 27 May 2011 08:09 AM

yes , I agree to the President, But He should give equal rights to all communities and be a democratic Sri Lankan and Release the real war hero General Sarath Fonseka.

Ram Friday, 27 May 2011 08:13 AM

Certainly, but there are MANY ways to solve problems…………

Minister Friday, 27 May 2011 08:35 AM

Yes, we can say that if we can do without going behind World Bank, IMF, ADB NGO's etc etc etc and etc.

uglytruth Friday, 27 May 2011 08:52 AM

A simple logic... we created problems and we can solve them

UK TAMIL BOY Friday, 27 May 2011 08:57 AM

Victory day celebrations OK,
What happened to the reply UN report?

Yehiya-Doha Friday, 27 May 2011 08:46 AM

Fear of Obama.

Nikia Friday, 27 May 2011 09:06 AM

We can solve our own FAMILY problems

malkanthi Friday, 27 May 2011 09:50 AM

Yes this is what puzzles, we are celebrating the victory in a mega way, but the emergency is still on!

Thomas Friday, 27 May 2011 09:33 AM

We are a SUPER POWER, we know what to do. Don't come to teach us, That's the message to the UN & International communities.. Mind your business.

Bumba Friday, 27 May 2011 09:57 AM

Please listen to the speech. You can also improve your English and sense of humor.

AJI Friday, 27 May 2011 09:41 AM

UN Report was well rejected by two two coutries wth veto power and no any value in it.

AJI Friday, 27 May 2011 09:44 AM

How US bridge their huge budget deficit?

Observer Friday, 27 May 2011 10:06 AM

Happy to hear that he accepts that "We" have problems.

chandana Friday, 27 May 2011 10:41 AM

YES..Like IMF loan...

AjayH Friday, 27 May 2011 10:55 AM

We are better at making our own problems !

anura Friday, 27 May 2011 10:58 AM

Can you please identify who this so called international community. Is it one imaginary community that interfear with other countries' intrnal affairs.

laxman Friday, 27 May 2011 10:59 AM

before solving anything one has to recognize that we got a problem!

athula Friday, 27 May 2011 11:23 AM

Thama hisata thama Athamaya sevenella ...

Rajitha Friday, 27 May 2011 11:10 AM

Presidents address to the nation today hit the nail on the head. Very inspiring and on the spot. He knows what to say when to say.....

UK TAMIL BOY Friday, 27 May 2011 11:27 AM

What is this........?

citizen1 Friday, 27 May 2011 11:32 AM

This WAS our country but it has been taken over by aliens...

citizen1 Friday, 27 May 2011 11:34 AM

Practice what you preach instead of creating more problems!

niranjan Friday, 27 May 2011 11:52 AM

we are patients and we do need a doctor.

Guru Friday, 27 May 2011 10:32 PM

Wait for like what has happened in Serbia.

LOL Friday, 27 May 2011 11:17 PM

Even this is not suitable for obama...

LOL Friday, 27 May 2011 11:21 PM

Who are the aliens?

LOL Friday, 27 May 2011 11:23 PM

Oh really? we didnt know that...

Binatan Friday, 27 May 2011 11:31 PM

Nicely said.

Gonapala Jayasooriya Saturday, 28 May 2011 02:00 AM

Anura, Ignorance is sometimes a good thing. Read the UNITED NATIONS CHARTER fiorst. Then talk sense.

Suny J from Melbourn Saturday, 28 May 2011 02:53 AM

Dear President....please walk your sweet talk...

pete Saturday, 28 May 2011 03:38 AM

What are we waiting for then? For another uprising?

raju Saturday, 28 May 2011 05:36 AM

First you try to solve the UN pannel report. Then we can beleive that we can solve our problem on our own.

Labby Saturday, 28 May 2011 06:23 AM

If as the President says we can solve our own problems why do we have to run behind India, China, and Russia for protection from the UN panel Report ?

laxman Saturday, 28 May 2011 07:19 AM

The problem is you!

mala Saturday, 28 May 2011 07:26 AM

well said

shan Saturday, 28 May 2011 08:31 AM

Solving own problems at others' expense!

CW Saturday, 28 May 2011 09:16 AM

To those who try to whitewash & praise Obama et al, have you just for a moment thought- what happend if Pakistani war planes bombed a taget in USA.

shan Saturday, 28 May 2011 09:43 AM

REAL HERO IS IN THE JAIL,PUPETS ARE ENJOYING

RANIL Saturday, 28 May 2011 10:34 AM

dont belive indians they will betroy us

mad patriot Saturday, 28 May 2011 12:44 PM

yes I agree by get rid of minority alltogether

Mohamed Faazil Saturday, 28 May 2011 12:48 PM

of course, we are the one should solve this not others.

The Judge Saturday, 28 May 2011 02:19 PM

WHY ARE WE RUNNING TO INDIA, CHINA, RUSSIA, ETC IF PROBLEMS CAN BE SOLVED BY OURSELVES ?

upl Saturday, 28 May 2011 02:21 PM

Yes! We can withdraw from UN, IMF Immediately who make unnecessary headaches .

LOL Saturday, 28 May 2011 04:33 PM

well said...

Vimal Karai Saturday, 28 May 2011 05:05 PM

Dear President, we waited for 2 years for you to solve the problem. Sadly you didn't care about. Now you are talking and I wonder why?

Vis8 Saturday, 28 May 2011 08:15 PM

Well done. Mahinda. Dont give into the West-ltte hypocrisy.
Go Sri Lanka!!!!!!!!!!!

CP Saturday, 28 May 2011 10:07 PM

"WE CAN SOLVE OUR PROBLEM " IS A QESTION - HOW?
VERY ARROGANT TALK

Nissanka Saturday, 28 May 2011 11:51 PM

Real hero .?.
Real heroes are the foot soldiers who didn't know whether they would be alive by the sun set.

era Sunday, 29 May 2011 01:41 AM

Yes 15 trillion dollar deficit thanks to china they ate surviving

era Sunday, 29 May 2011 01:42 AM

can you clarify which right is not given equally rather than repeating like a parrot

era Sunday, 29 May 2011 01:46 AM

its not a un report thats what happened

elalan Sunday, 29 May 2011 02:30 AM

we slove our own proplem thats mean war with india

suren soysa Sunday, 29 May 2011 05:32 AM

All pundits above should put themselves in presidents shoes & these people will not do one trillionth of what President has done even with mistakes here& there. So please shut -up!! This president is better than all presidents we have had. Let the people kick him out, at the next election if he is rotten.

Srith Sunday, 29 May 2011 05:35 AM

Delaying is key leadership tactic avoiding solution always

niki Sunday, 29 May 2011 07:53 AM

He says,
even many bright men can't find the stone thrown by a fool, only he can

koneswaransaro Sunday, 29 May 2011 07:56 AM

When Mr.MR? Don't waste the time on speaking. Do first.The world will agree with your speech.

Thomas Sunday, 29 May 2011 08:00 AM

The President says like OBAMA, " YES WE CAN "
So why we worry, close the eyes and day dream all our problems including COST OF LIVING will be solved.
Good luck & Cheers

suwantha Sunday, 29 May 2011 08:24 AM

no comment.

yesyes Sunday, 29 May 2011 10:38 AM

True we must think its OUR country....the problem is one familty saying "it's only my country"

ranga Sunday, 29 May 2011 12:03 PM

Yer, yer. Lets finish off the rest and no more issues to resolve.

TMA Sunday, 29 May 2011 12:24 PM

Then, what's the delay?

laxman Sunday, 29 May 2011 12:23 PM

YES "We can solve our own problems:" but WE want!

das Sunday, 29 May 2011 12:30 PM

Really?? Whay sort of shoes does he wear???

das Sunday, 29 May 2011 12:31 PM

Real heoroes are the ones who were in battle and got injured etc, like SF.

kumar Sunday, 29 May 2011 01:42 PM

Biggest joker in the world

LOL Sunday, 29 May 2011 02:45 PM

Key leadership tactic for poor leader....

gotaya Sunday, 29 May 2011 05:47 PM

yes yes you must solve your problem, but if you failed others will come to solve it..

Kithsiri Sunday, 29 May 2011 10:51 PM

Yes, US/British leaders do not ill treat their citizens but millions of innocents in Iraq, Afganistan currently and Japan and fomer Indochina in the past..

dpl Monday, 30 May 2011 02:17 AM

enouhg is enough US president will answer for you.

v vendetta Monday, 30 May 2011 03:08 AM

Its Sinhalese, you know, the official language of Sri Lanka.

lj Monday, 30 May 2011 04:19 AM

Then please stop begging from the international community. IMF World bank.... and the list goes on.. I bet you can't you begger.

Rupesinghe Monday, 30 May 2011 04:56 AM

Sorry US president will not, because we dont have OIL.

Fair N Square Monday, 30 May 2011 06:25 AM

its a myth to believe that Democracy prevails in USA, ASK the Blacks Latinos and other minorities. IF democracy is happening in USA, loads of discrimination lawsuits wont take its ugly head.

Jilmart Monday, 30 May 2011 07:06 AM

His post war performance will give him an early ejection without waiting for the next election.

Hon. Magodisas Monday, 30 May 2011 07:08 AM

Not begging. "PINDU SINGA WADINAWA" to IMF etc.

Nish Monday, 30 May 2011 08:02 AM

Then why any Sri lankan government is not solve this problem in last three decades?

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

We can solve our own problems: MR

Comments - 109

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Racing event tragedy leaves seven dead including eight-year-old child

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali's possession of Gota’s Range Rover

Uma Oya Development Project inaugurated

Sri Lankan among NASA’s new crew for next simulated Mars journey

Former MP Palitha Thewarapperuma dies from electrocution

SL on alert on possible genocide allegations by Canada

MIRROR CRICKET

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

No footboard riding allowed, no liability for accidents: Railways Department

Six patients claim Rs.600 million from Keheliya and others for permanent loss of sight

SLPP, UNP initiates action for forming broad alliance

Here is the way!

Pakistan lose key players for last two T20Is against New Zealand

Sri Lanka secures third spot in South Asian Kurash Championship 2024

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Army forms committee to probe Diyatalawa Fox Hill Supercross accident