Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims are children of one mother - Mother Lanka

Speaking in the Tamil language in the midst of the Tamils of Jaffna, Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa emphasized amidst thunderous appaluse, “We are all children of one mother – Mother Lanka and we all should live together, united, without showing any discrimination amongst us as Tamils, Sinhalese or Muslims.

Addressing at the Duraiappah Stadium, in the midst of a massive crowd, who were clapping, shouting "Mahinda Vazha" (Long Live Mahinda) and expressing their happiness and joy, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that he was happy to speak in Jaffana and interact with Tamil brothers and sisters for the first time. He said that it was a memorable day for him to experience the love and affection of the Tamil brothers and sisters.

The President appreciated the freedom the people were enjoying now to go wherever they like without fear after a long period.

At present the people in the south and in the upcountry are living freely and enjoying the freedom, peace and happiness, and the President said that soon the same freedom, peace, happiness and equal opportunities - the Tamils of the North and East has to have and they should also enjoy their life.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited Jaffna for his political campaign in the north of Sri Lanka yesterday, 10th January.

On his way to the rally, the President arrived yesterday morning at the security forces headquarters in Jaffna. The President also paid floral tribute to the war memorial at the camp. The Jaffna Commander presented the President a memorial token.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Sunday visited the Nallur Kovil for Hindu religious observances. He was taken in procession to the temple.

The President and Minister Douglas Devananda was seen in bare top, which is a very rare sight in public.

He took part in a special Pooja at the Nallur Kovil. He was blessed according to the Hindu traditions by the chief priest of the kovil.

EPDP leader Minister Douglus Devananda, many politicians, Security personal and large number of devotees and supporters gathered at the Temple ceremony.

People of Jaffna warmly welcomed the President and thanked him for bringing the much needed peace in the country. security of the area has been tightened up for the President's visit and large crowds gathered along the roads to have a glimpse of President Rajapaksa.

The President also paid homage at the Sri Naga Viharaya in Jaffna and visited the International Buddhist Centre there.

Furthermore, the President also called upon the Jaffna Bishop Reverend Father Thomas Soundarnayagam.

He also undertook an observation tour of the Jaffna Public library. When the President arrived at the Jaffna Public Library, along with Minister Douglas Devananda, he was received at the entrance by Professor Shanmugalinghan, the Vice Chancellor of the Jaffna University.

While recieving the President, Prof. Shanmugalingham wrapped around the President’s shoulder a silk shawl, as the traditional mark of respect.

In the library, President interacted with the academics of Jaffna district and exchanged views with them.

There was a massive crowd at the Alafred Duraiappa Stadium. Our reporter estimated the crowd to be more than twelve thousand.

Last week, when the opposition candidate Retired General Sarath Fonseka came to Jaffna for the election campaign, he had his public rally inside the Veerasinham Hall, which can hold a capacity crowd of 1000 to maximum 1250 only.

Speaking in the midst of the milling crowd, President anounced that all those at present in the welfare centres would be soon resettled in their respective areas. He also told the gathering the Government had taken all measures to ensure sustainable resettlement for the IDPs.

He said that he would provide a a better and a bright future for the farmers and the fishermen of the district.

The President assured that soon the water would be brought from a river from the south for the Jaffna farmers to irrigate their lands amidst cheers.

Outlining future plans for Jaffna, the President said it will be made an IT and English education hub and all steps would be taken to boost education in the area.

“We would ensure your children a better future,” he said. A project would be initiated soon to build an international standard sports stadium in Jaffna, the President revealed. The Government is planning to construct a special irrigation project to provide water from the south to alleviate the water scarcity in the area, the President said.

He assured the people of the region all they lost to the conflict and more, other than the precious lives, would be restored to them to propel the area to greater prosperity.

Just as local government elections were held in Vavuniya and Jaffna, elections will also be held for the Provincial Council in the not to distant future so that the people could elect their desired leaders, the President added.

Minister Douglas Devananda, former UNP National Organizer S.B.Dissanayake, Northern Province Governor Major General G.A. Chandarsiri and several others addressed in the election rally.

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Asian Tribune -