Rescue all Tamil civilians near at hand - President Mahinda
Rajapaksa
The freedom of the Tamil civilians held hostage by the
LTTE is near at hand and the rescue of all civilians in the small patch
of land held by the LTTE will be done in 48 hours. So said President
Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing Sri Lankan migrant workers employed at a
garment factory in Jordan, yesterday, May 14.
The President said that despite attempts by some
nations to bully a small country such as Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan
people stood firm to uphold the nation's dignity and honor to live as a
proud people. "We have already taken steps to settle over 200,000
displaced persons in the North under state security and we are much fast
in such methods, when compared to other countries which experience war
situations."
"The next step would be to offer a political solution
to the problems of Tamil people to prevent fragmentation of the country.
My aim is to provide a free nation for all people to live in dignity and
honor. Let us honor our gallant troops who have created such an
opportunity for our people", the President said.
Speaking further President Rajapaksa appreciated the
contribution by all Sri Lankans employed in Jordon and the Middle East
towards the nation's economy, and pointed out that steps implemented by
him as a minister during 1994 and 2000 enabled attending to their
welfare, and find solutions to the problems faced by Sri Lankan migrant
workers through such meaningful measures we offered training to many who
sought employment overseas', the President noted.
He stressed the need to find solutions to domestic and
social problems that emerge in families as a result of Sri Lankan
workers seeking greener pastures overseas.
President Rajapaksa pointed out to the large gathering
of Sri Lankan employees that Sri Lanka has been able to maintain a
reasonable level in the economy, despite the global economic recession
and noted that their foreign exchange remittances contributed to the
national coffers were of significance to maintain a stable level in the
country's economy and the government much appreciated such a valuable
service.
Courtesy : Presidential Media Unit |
