'Country has entered a new era'

Mohammed NAALIR

Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Minister Dinesh Gunawardane said that by defeating LTTE terrorism that prevailed for three decades, the country has entered into a new era.

He said that under the guidance of President Mahinda Rajapaksa our valiant forces achieved a great triumph against the LTTE terrorists who caused untold damage to the country, killing thousands of Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim civilians in the past.

Addressing a special event to announce the military victory achieved in confrontation against the LTTE terrorists to Government servants and to pay their honourable tribute to President Mahinda Rajapaksa and our valiant forces, Minister Gunawardane said that this great victory achieved against the LTTE terrorism must be written in letters of gold.

Highways and Road Development Ministry, Housing and Common Amenities Ministry, Construction and Engineering Services Ministry, Social Service and Social Welfare Ministry, Cultural Affairs and National Heritage Ministry and Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Ministry employees took part in the event.

He said diverse political parties and groups including some Western elements issued statements that the LTTE could not be defeated as it was a giant militant group.

Amidst such statements by international elements our valiant forces under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and dedication of the chiefs of three Armed Forces in guiding the troops and the Police played a prominent role in defeating the ruthless LTTE terrorism killing its hardcore cadres including its Leader Prabhakaran.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa united our mother country defeating the separatist LTTE.

The Tamil civilians trapped in the clutches of the LTTE were liberated. Our Government is rich in hospitality and is fulfilling all needs of liberated civilians who are now housed in welfare villages and Welfare Centres, Minister Gunawardane added.

Cultural Affairs and National Heritage Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardane, Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Ministry Secretary P. Ramanujam and Urban Development Authority Director General Prasanna Silva were also present.