Sri Lanka will cross the doorstep to victory, not only in defeating terrorism but in other spheres as well

Hilary Rajakarunanayake, Editor – Sri Lanka, Asian Tribune

Colombo, 12 May, (Asiantribune.com): "The Sri Lankan nation is built on a healthy foundation and would cross the doorstep to victory, not only in defeating terrorism but in other spheres as well. I am confident that we are on the correct path although certain vested interests within our country are backing some international forces to protect and nurture terrorism in a covert way". Sri Lanka President addressing the Nightingale commemoration ceremony held at Temple Trees and he felicitated the Nurse’s Union for their dedication in saving the country

This was stated by Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa when he addressed a large section of the nursing community in Sri Lanka, Monday afternoon, organized by the Public Services United Nurses Union, to mark International Nurses Day which also coincides with the birthday of Florence Nightingale, considered as the pioneer of modern nursing.

"Thus we have effectively portrayed to the world, that we are indeed a very healthy nation among nations in the Asian continent", the President said adding that similar gains would be made in other major spheres as well, in the not too distant future, which would propel the country to withering heights.

"Our Government would go down in history as one which gave maximum support to the upliftment of the health sector. Our health facilities are on par with some of the best in the world".

"We have succeeded in eradicating the shortage of nurses in our country with 15,000 new appointments, salary increases, training according to international standards with Degree levels in the pipeline and creating an effective demand globally for Sri Lankan nursing talent".

"Also at this moment we must not forget the selfless commitment displayed by our brave and heroic Security Forces engaged in the task of saving the country from terrorism. If similar united efforts come from our public sector employees and the masses in general, the country would be second to none in the world map," he added.

During his address the President also praised the progress of the Nurses Union headed by Ven. Muruttetuwe Ananda Thera, which gave unstinted leadership to more than 20,000 nurses today starting from a mere 13 members some years back.

Sri Lanka President receiving the donation of Rs. 2.5 million by the Nurses Union to be used for the Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North. Also in the picture Health Minister Nimal Sripala de silva, Chairman of the Nurse’s Union Ven,Muruththettuwe Ananda thero ,Mini,Bandula Gunawardena, and the Secretary to the Ministry of Helth Athula Kahandaliyanage (Pix by Chandana Perera)

The Union also donated Rs. 2.5 million to the President on this occasion to be used for relief to the Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North.

The event organized by the Public Services United Nurses Union was also attended by Healthcare Minister, Nimal Siripala de Silva, Western Province Governor Alavi Mowlana, Health Ministry officials, and a large gathering of Nurses.

- Asian Tribune -