Gratitude to a leader

The National Convention of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) in Colombo today coincides with the fourth anniversary of SLFP Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa assuming office as Sri Lanka's fifth Executive President. It also marks his 64th birthday which falls on Wednesday.

Founded in 1951, the SLFP has been playing a prominent role in Sri Lanka's socio-economic development. The golden era of the SLFP dawned only after President Mahinda Rajapaksa took over the helm of the party in 2006.

The SLFP and Rajapaksa administration have taken Sri Lanka to greater heights, liberating the country from the clutches of terrorism. For over three decades, Sri Lanka was plagued by LTTE terror and the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity were at stake when President Rajapaksa took office on November 19, 2005.

LTTE terror was at its peak during that era, following the controversial Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) entered into by the then UNP Government of Ranil Wickremesinghe. The election of President Rajapaksa as the country's First Citizen four years ago changed the destiny of the nation.

It was the fearless and far-sighted political sagacity of President Rajapaksa that inspired the Security Forces to end LTTE terror and liberate the country. If not for the right political backing and guidance, the Security Forces would not have been able to rewrite Sri Lanka's military history.

Thanks to the untiring efforts of the President and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, the Security Forces liberated the entire country from terrorism on May 18, 2009. Only a few believed that Sri Lanka could achieve this gigantic task. But the President directed the valiant Security Forces on the right track, supported them whole-heartedly and was indeed a tower of strength to them.

Hence, the SLFP's National Convention and the fourth anniversary of President Rajapaksa assuming office are two landmark events. President Rajapaksa achieved a unique feat which none of the four previous Executive Presidents could achieve. Eradicating terrorism had been a day dream for decades and it was President Rajapaksa who steadfastly believed that Sri Lanka's Security Forces were capable of performing that Herculean task.

President Rajapaksa has overcome all overwhelming odds to create history.

Now that he has paved the way for a peaceful Sri Lanka for all communities to live in harmony, the President's next goal is to take Sri Lanka towards economic prosperity. That too could be achieved in the near future with the right economic policies implemented by the Government.

Though the Government had to embark on a massive humanitarian operation against the world's most ruthless terrorist outfit, the President did not let that hamper the country's development activities. Despite a large sum of money being allocated for national security, an equal amount of funds was allocated for development work. The Government achieved military success notwithstanding the development projects launched.

The Hambantota port, Southern international airport, Kerawalapitiya power project, Uma Oya, Moragahakanda, Kumbukkan Oya projects, Southern Highway, Upper Kotmale hydropower project, Norochcholai coal power plant and construction of ten flyovers in Colombo and the suburbs are some of the mega development projects that are being implemented.

More importantly, none of the subsidies was cut or curtailed although the Government spent large sums of money on defence and development. The Government has granted a massive 96 per cent fertiliser subsidy to help farmers and has increased the budgetary allocations for the health and educational sectors.

Having accomplished the greatest human rescue operation in world history to liberate over half a million people held by the LTTE as a human shield, President Rajapaksa also ensured that those who were rescued from the clutches of LTTE terror be granted a secure future.

This is precisely why the Government is spending billions of rupees to develop the Northern and Eastern Provinces. The mega development projects implemented in the two provinces would help them to be brought on par with the Western Province.

Many infrastructure development projects have been implemented as displaced persons gradually return to their normal day-to-day activities. Those who have been resettled in the East are already contributing to the national economy and before long their counterparts in the North too would do likewise.

Several far-reaching decisions have been taken to boost the rural economy.

The aim of the Government is to increase local production. To reach these goals, many tangible steps have been taken under the 'Api Wawamu, Rata Nagamu' program. Rural agro and dairy products have fetched a better price, enhancing the villagers' purchasing power, a unique achievement which has encouraged more people in the provinces to take to cultivation which will strengthen Sri Lanka's economy.

Every step has been taken to implement the 'Mahinda Chinthana' policy which aims at socio-economic development of this thrice-blessed land. Sri Lanka has maintained a clear foreign policy whilst protecting its rights as a sovereign nation. The country's sovereignty and territorial integrity have been the top priority at all times.

Simultaneously, Sri Lanka has strengthened its international relations and many friendly countries have firmly backed Sri Lanka in its battle against terrorism. Though certain international elements with vested interests attempted to slow down military operations, Sri Lanka's friendly countries were a source of encouragement. This is mainly due to the strong relations the President has maintained with those countries.

As President Rajapaksa reaches the last two years of his term, people will get an opportunity to endorse the mandate given to their leader. A second six-year term would enable President Rajapaksa to win the economic war as well so that Sri Lanka could stand tall. It is the duty of all loyal and patriotic citizens to show their gratitude to the leader who saved our nation from disaster.