Security forces should win the hearts and minds of the Tamil people – President Mahinda Rajapaksa

President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited Kilinochchi and Mulativu Districts on Wednesday and met with the resettled former IDPs and the security forces serving in the Vanni region.

This was the first time that the President met resettled people in the Vanni region.

He, while addressing Armed forces personnel extended invitation to them to join in the Government’s development process for the war torn areas. ‘I am sure, you can easily win the confidence of the Tamil community who suffered enough from the LTTE terror outfit. Be their closest friend and closest relative”, the President told them.

He stated that for the past 30 years, there were no other governments which kept trust in the security forces as this government and stressed that the security forces should win the hearts and minds of the Tamil people like they won the war and called them to contribute to the development of the country.

While addressing the resettled former IDPs in Thunukkai located in the Mulativu District, the President said that the government is taking steps to resettle all IDPs as soon as the de-mining process is completed.

'I know the pain you went through for a long period. The terrorists manipulated you and brought great injustice to you', President stated.

'This is our country; we all have to live like sons of one mother. This country does not tolerate ethnic, racial, religious, caste or provincial discriminations. We have to resolve our own problems', he stressed.

President had also visited military personnel in Vanni which according to sources close to the President secretariat, the trip was a suddenly arranged tour in which President’s Secretary Lalith Weerathunga, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Army Commander Jagath Jayasuriya, IGP Mahinda Balasuriya and several other military officials participated.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa pledged a salary increase for the armed forces personnel with immediate effect from yesterday (November 04) onwards, while visiting the Army personnel who are engaged in the humanitarian operation in Mulankaweli located in Vanni.

The President stated that this decision was taken while considering the great sacrifices the security forces made for the country for which he is extremely grateful.

President Rajapaksa stressed that all forces personnel Army, Navy, Air Force and Police were doing a yeoman service to save the country from terrorism which halted the country’s development during last three decades. “But, they have never come up with a single request of allowance or salary hike although they were undergoing all the difficulties and being away with their families and closest ones”, the President added.

Addressing to the security forces at Mulankaweli, the President further stated that although they carried out an enormous service, not once did they ask for a pay rise or for various other benefits.

The President also said that there are efforts from some to let down their service for petty political needs, he will never forget their service and will respect forever. He also reiterated that it was the United Peoples’ Freedom Alliance Government which believed in their ability, strength, courage and dedication while giving them a proper leadership.

- Asian Tribune -