Beware of invisible forces - President at Army Passing out Parade

President Rajapaksa complete this appeal as the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Defence Minister addressed a colourful commissioning march, at the Sri Lanka Military school in Diyatalawa yesterday.
The President pointed out that albeit the armed enemies have been well recognized as lethal and should be wipe out by our brave armed forces. But some lying basics may act in diverse and small ways. They could be stationary secret in the clothe of human rights activists.
These parties too, should be recognised and dealth with so. As otherwise, he said, these enemies may in the end have a better collide and reason more harm and destruction to our motherland.
The President salaried his highest tributes to the war heroes who have full-grown from power to strength, and achieved a series of victories in Pooneryn, Kilinochchi and elsewhere.
He was of the view that our forces had confronted the most cruel terrorist out fit in the world and defeat them, slowly but steadily, by re-capturing every inch of ground from them.
They had conquer many difficult everyday jobs and all daunting challenges before them, from suicide bombers to chemical arms and inclement weather circumstances. They emerged victorious and have certainly become a shining example of sheer grit, courage,integrity and discipline, and a guiding star to the whole world.
"Their magnificent achievements have now surpassed the doom of 'Gunfire' and given rise to an air of wonderful revels in the south.
They have fought for the advantage and the well-being of the whole nation, irrespective of race, shed, statement of faith or party", President Rajapaksa noted. He also lauded the parents and the appreciated ones of the specially made trainee officers, stating that by contribution their offsprings to the armed, they had done a huge and commendable service to the nation, at a most dangerous time, when terrorism was gathering momentum, and had to be eradicated. The Commander-in-Chief opined that previous to the Government resumed the war, they themselves set an instance by offering their own children, sans requesting only the normal people to do so.
At the colourful parade, 151 officer cadet, comprehensive of 25 females were specially made by the President. usual Officer Cadet intakes 64, 64B 65 and Volunteer Officer Cadet Intakes 45 and Lady Intake 7 were specially made.

Heavy Clashes continue in Kilinochchi battlefront

battleground reports on yesterday's (Dec 20) counter terrorist operations in Kilinochchi indicate inclined battles flanked by Army and the LTTE terrorists.
Troops of the Army 57 Division effectively let down an LTTE be in resistance to disagreeable launched in the North of Iranamadu area approximately 6 AM. During the battle that lasted till 6 PM, 12 soldiers laid down their lives while 16 others went on absent. Also, 34 soldiers suffered injuries. Intercepted terrorist radio broadcast bare heavy compensation to the LTTE.
In the North of Akkarayankulam area, troops had a sequence of confrontations with the terrorists from 5 AM to 4 PM and claimed heavy recompense to the terrorists. One warrior laid down his life while 5 others continued injuries.
In the meantime, troops of the Army Task Force 3 confronted the terrorists in the North of Ampakamam area around 1.15 PM. Troops claimed 2 terrorists were killed and 4 others were upset during this confrontation. A soldier was also injured. In a divide argument occurred approximately 8.45 PM in the similar area, one LTTE cadre was injured.
In the Jaffna theatre of battle, one LTTE cadre was allegedly killed in Sniper fire approximately 6.40 AM.

Development Lotteries Board donates house for disable soldier

A fully furnished house constructed by the Development Lotteries Board (DLB) was handed over to a put out of action soldier Tuesday (Dec 16), by the Ministry of Defence Seva Vanitha Unit (SVU) president, Mrs. Ioma Rajapaksa.
Soldier KDH Weerapriya was the recipient, who was left enduringly disabled due to a land mine bang while portion at the Vavuniya defences on 23rd August 2008. The house was provided under the 'Jayoda Housing Project' of the DLB.
Since, no one had come to claim the houses for the past 07 years the Development Lotteries Board determined to donate these houses to the MOD SVU. These houses are situated in Kaduwela and ready with all facilities, SVU sources said.

Secretary Defence commends commitment of soldiers in Wanni war fronts

Secretary Defence Mr. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Air Chief Marshal Donald Perera Thursday (11) morning conveyed his best wants to Wanni ground Commanders who lead courageous soldiers in the war fronts and older Police Officers piece in Wanni areas throughout his visit to safety Forces Headquarters Wanni (SFHQ-W).
Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka who had reached Vavuniya early dawn Thursday (11) to teach on future process plans to Wanni ground Commanders conventional the Secretary Defence and the CDS on their influx.
Major General Jagath Jayasuriya Commander SFHQ-W later on guided them to the SFHQ hall where he briefed the visiting Security Chiefs on there security state of relationships and development of the kind operations in Kilinochchi and Welioya fronts.
After reviewing the briefings, Secretary Defence issued additional instructions to Senior Ground Commanders and Police Officers who attended the meeting on prospect security measures.
Subsequently, Secretary Defence addressed the troops gathered at the hall and appreciated their devotion and commitment.

Sri Lanka Navy celebrates its 58th Anniversary

Sri Lanka Navy elites introduced a new concept of counter terrorist warfare at seas
Sri Lanka Navy celebrates its 58th Anniversary on the 09th of December 2008 with a wide collection of spiritual and social functions conducted to mark the historical occasion. Many naval ceremonies are listed to be held in keeping with the traditions and customs of the Navy. Today , Sri Lanka Navy has evolved into its current important rank as a pioneering, expert and a victorious marine force observing the standard naval protocols and executing a key role in eradicating the scourge of terrorism from our motherland. It traces its origin as far rear as the year 1937 when it began its journey under the name of Ceylon Naval Volunteer Force (CNVF) recognized to get together the objectives and the supplies of the British Imperialist circlet who ruled our country then. Thereafter, it got absorbed into the Royal Navy after the World War II as the Ceylon Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve (CRNVR) which finally twisted out to be Royal Ceylon Navy on 09th of December 1950 consisting of a nucleus of 100 officers and men. In 1972, with the introduction of the first republican establishment, Royal Ceylon Navy took on its present name, Sri Lanka Navy.
The humble journey of the Sri Lanka Navy thus begun, has journeyed many a maritime mile gathering fair winds most of the time since its inception. It has so far been boldly and strategically steered forward by many a stalwart Commanding official at the helm. When we trace back along its memorable history line, we begin to see how the Navy has evolved under all the Commanders who have steered it hitherto. As such, the qualitative and quantitative development in various aspects of the Navy has been in survival all along in varying degrees. However, the renaissance that has taken place in the Navy in the present war situation under the present Naval High authority stands above them all; sole and inimitable.
In the past, the Navy used to be conventional and remained mainly ceremonial; Moreover, as far back as mid 2005, it was complacent about the role it was playing by being only reactive to the threat posed by the emerging LTTE sea power in our territorial waters. This usually unenergetic approach of being only reactive helped the opponent to forge into a force which, at one time some thought that it was a force that is hard to be tackled because of the advantage it had exhibited in certain encounters with the Navy.
This clich‚ of the misnomer, largely perpetrated by its group and pro-media, that the LTTE is powerful at sea and posing a huge threat to the Navy, has been made to track rear towards its nullity since of the timely and intentionally prudent measures initiated and implemented by the present Naval High Command who have brought about an all round renaissance in every aspect of the Navy, both at sea and on land where naval personnel, proving their prowess ,capability and courage, stay on stable attentive to fight LTTE terrorism. The Navy is being fortified in its task of protecting the territorial integrity and the sovereignty of the motherland.
Under the present Naval High Command, weapons in the Navy do not get rotten and dull by sea gentle wind; they are kept ever honed as pointed as finely weak and tempered arrow points; all the craft, from the low profile small Fast Attack Craft, which has established lethal against LTTE sea tigers, to the big Off Shore Patrol vessel, which devastated the LTTE international logistics network, remain in constant willingness with ultra modern weapons mounted and competent gunners and sailors prepared to meet adversary any attack.


Queen Elizabeth II accorded a Royal Guard of Honour by SL Navy in 1981
Naval personnel are by no means idle, nervous, and lethargic; they are agile life form bodily fit; they are deft having been trained by battle experts; they are well groomed in the ardent fervour of love for the motherland. Above all, they are extremely patriotic and devoted to the service that they render in safeguarding the territorial honesty and the sovereignty of the country. The high quality of their performance, outstanding morale in the battlefield, inexorable determination to execute a task assigned, the restricted and orderly manner in which they act, the fine dexterity, capability and the accuracy that they exhibit in targeting their adversary and above all, the humane qualities embedded in the naval workers are the consequences of the fine training and the constant care and concern shown towards its men by the able hands that grip the helm so strategically and shrewdly.
"Victory is the main thing of war. If this is long delayed, weapons will turn out to be dull and the ardour of the soldiers will be dampened" is a fact emphasized by Sun Tzu which is worthy of following by any great warrior who is engaged in a combat to cause the down fall of his enemy, however mighty and influential he might be. fascinatingly, for the fortune of our nation, the present Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Vice Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda at the helm, has proven that he has been steering the Sri Lanka Navy in line with Sun Tzu ushering in a new winning era making the Navy proactive with a proliferation of the latest innovations which have been greatly instrumental in creating a total disarray and the ultimate death of the enemy. Therefore, the Sri Lanka Navy is indeed so blessed to have such a competent head at the helm to direct her at this crucial phase of war.


Spectacular SLN band parading on independence day -2008
It is in this background that one can observer the Navy coming of age heroically and remarkably send-off from littoral waters to deep blue seas when the Navy caused the obliteration of the enemy provide vessels which are rightly named as "floating armories". The destruction of these vessels that fed the LTEE with ultra modern weaponry and belligerent materials to assault civilians and the safety forces is careful to be the turning point in the continuing counter terrorist operations.
Finally, it is pertinent to note that the fleet has vastly developed with the passage of time ushering in an era where it can transit from its traditionally confined limits to broader farseeing viewpoint with much ease enabling it to record more important victories in the records of the country's history.

Troops push further into LTTE garrisons: scores killed, many injured [Updated]

An army trooper standing guard at the A-9 trunk road between Puliyankulama and Omanthai.
approaching an end to the 30 year odd terrorist cause and the the majority prolonged, single handed counter terrorist group in south Asia, Sri Lankan security forces are advancing in multi-fronts with 7 unpleasant divisions into the remaining LTTE garrisons at Kilinochchi and Mullaittivu. According to battlefield reports, TF1 and 57 Div troops are now situated in kissing distances to the external defence lines of the LTTE's administrative heartland and main garrison rural community at Kilinochchi. preceding during an 'e-mail interview' with a south Indian document in the eve of the suicide bombers day, terror chief Prabakaran vowed to oppose the military thrust at Kilinochchi, careful de-facto 'capital' of LTTE following the nation's 'greatest giveaway in history'- signing of the 2002 CFA.
Kilinochchi is careful to be a vital battle land and the most valued cup for the security forces, who are strong-minded to flushout LTTE throughout the world's most effectual duel tasked 'counterterrorist cum Humanitarian operation' in modern time.
The armed battle formations advancing from west of Parantan, Adampan, west of Iranamadu, Terumurikandy, Kokkuvil, Kanakarayankulam, Puliyankulam, Northeast of Olumadu and Alampil have caused huge damages to LTTE send-off scores killed and as many injured during the past few days, security sources said. 11 LTTE bodies were establish along with 17 T-56 physical attack riffles, Saturday (Dec 6), northeast of Olumadu in the western Mullaittivu battlefront by the TF 3 troops. consecutive aerial raids conducted at recognized LTTE strong points West of Parantan on Friday (05) and Saturday (06) have also left many terrorists killed, sources said citing intercepted LTTE message. in the middle of the terrorists killed many were said to be females who were lured to defened their male counterparts, seeking security in the middle of civilians in the deeper Wanni territory.
3 more slain LTTE bodies were found during look for operations conducted by the 59 Division troops in general area Alampil at Mullaittivu, on Friday.
Army stepped-up fresh offensives towards LTTE strong points at the Wanni battle theater as torrential rains and floods subsided. The Jaffna peninsula and the Wanni regions were severely affected with a record downpour at Jaffna after 50 years. about, 296,671 people belonging to 85,349 families were displaced in Jaffna between 25th Nov and 02 Dec, according to latest in order free from the Ministry of Disaster Management. 9 deaths were reported due to the floods, in addition to 2 others who continued injuries. At the Mullaittivu district damages reported from 3 DS divisions numbered as 21,200 families, while individuals affected remained unconfirmed. Meanwhile, the official information of IDPs as reported from the GA at Mullaittivu read as follows: Number of displaced families due to terrorist acts 2,036; individuals 8,080.
Defence and aid circles are also not option out a grave kind tragedy in Wanni which has already triggered an mass departure of civilians into liberated areas, at Omanthai and Jaffna. People have by now started candidly protesting LTTE dictatorship in the regions. Earlier, as reported through defence.lk a huge protest was held by families of dead LTTE cadres and of those who are currently in the outfit, in Wanni on Dec 1. According to our sources, over 80 members of Mahaweera and Porali families participated in the complaint held approximately 11 AM at the Oddusudan junction.
Meanwhile, over 654 people belonging to 225 families have crossed over to the safer regions at Jafffna, Omanthai and Nellukkulama seeking defense with security forces, since 01st November, 2008, till Saturday (Dec 6).
Security forces have now liberated a total make bigger of 48 km the length of the A-9 Jaffna-Kandy trunk road, from Kokkuvil to Omanthai. This is the first time since 1998 that security forces have gained control over a vast territory of the A-9 road, military sources extra said. The supremacy claims the military create at the central Wanni battlefront, probable start pad of an all out eastward thrust at Mullaittivu with the defeat of LTTE in Kilinochchi. Battlefront reports maintain the foreword of a new unpleasant separation, Task force -4 in Wanni in the coming week.
Defence observers are also anticipating the fall of Oddusudan, Nainamadu and Nedunerni LTTE defenses as troops of TF 3 and TF 2 march along the A-34 Mankulam- Mullaittivu and the Puliyankulam - Tanniyuttu roads creation the leading eastward military push unsurprising to link with the 59 Division at the eastern battlefront.

Gajaba UN peace keeping battalion is ready to embark

9th Battalion of UN calm keeping contingent for Haiti, is prepared to embark for UN calm keeping operations on 16th December 2008. The taught battalion obtainable the guard of honour to Major General Jagath Jayasuriya USP psc, Security Force Commander of Wanni on 3rd December 2008 at Sri Lanka light infantry march four-sided figure, Panagoda.
The dependent commander Colonel J.M.U.DammikaJayasingha commanded the march and obtainable the salute to the chief guest Major General Jagath Jayasuriya USP psc.The dependent consisted of 51 officers and 697 soldiers. The second-in-command power of the dependent was Lieutenant Colonel Senerath Neunhella.
The dependent will reason in Haiti for six months of a era and return to the country. This is the second dependent of the Gajaba Regiment that will dish up in UN peace keeping operations for Haiti. The first dependent was commanded by Brigadier Nissanka Ranawana and its second-in-command was Colnel Mahinda Weerasuriya.
The dependent will take out the peace keeping operations in Minusta area in Haiti incordination with international armies like, Brazil, Arjentina, Uruguay. This is an significant chance for Sri Lankan army to get an international contact in global calm keeping operations. UN peace custody commands careful Sri Lankan forces as one of the best calm enforcers and professional transport weapons force in the world.

Army 59 Division bags Periyakulam ; eyes strategically located Nadunkerni

Sri Lanka Army 59 Division military extended their full power over the Periyakulam hamlet, located 4 km East of deliberately situated Nadunkerni town this evening (Dec 2).
According to the defence sources in the battleground, soldiers ongoing their westward push from Otiyamalai advanced for about 1 km coldness eliminating all LTTE hideouts up to the Periyakulam hamlet.
Defence observers are in the sight that the Army's counter terrorist operations in the area will very much help the civilians beneath fear clutches to go into the government prohibited areas.
Meanwhile, troops of the similar division marching the length of the eastward coalition were busy in heavy confrontations with the terrorists in the Alampil area throughout daytime. Troops have so far found a body of a slain LTTE cadre along with weapons. Also, army elites deployed in the forward areas have long-established shooting down of two LTTE cadres.

Sri Lankan Welfare Consortium- Canada donates USD 6000 to 'Api Wenuwen Api fund'

The Sri Lankan Welfare Consortium in Canada, made a financial donation worth USD 6000 to the 'Api Wenuwen Api' housing scheme during a visit paid by its representatives to the Ministry of Defence, Thursday(Oct 16).
The cheque was presented to the Secretary Defence Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa by the group representatives Dr. Lasantha Gunasekara and Upali Perera. The Sri Lankan Welfare Consortium - Canada is an organization of Sri Lankan expatriates with its main administration place of work based at Calgary in the state of Alberta.
The 'Api Wenuwen Api' housing scheme is a mega scheme for building 50,000 housing units for war heroes in the stage of five years initiated by the Ministry of Defence.

Ranaviru Fund donated Gel Socks worth of Rs. 450,000 to disabled war heroes

Ranaviru Fund , a charity organization established to support disabled soldiers in Sri Lanka , has donated 157 much needed Socket Gel Liners to the soldiers who had sacrificed their limbs for the motherland .

The donation was made by the representatives of the organization at the Ragama Ranaviru Sevena , disabled soldiers' rehabilitation centre recently . Director of Rehabilitation , Sri Lanka Army, Brigadier Sriyani Warusavitharana received the items on behalf of the soldiers.

According to a report issued by the Fund on the project , Socket Gel Liners are highly expensive equipment specially made for the comfort of the disabled people . Brigadier Warusavitharana had informed the organization on the requirement as the items were not readily available in the local market when contacted by the Fund , said the report. The report further stated that 40 socket gel liners worth of 450,000 rupees had been donated to the soldiers as a start. This donation will only suffice to fulfill 1% of the requirement , the report further added.

At the donation ceremony Maha Sangha headed by most Venerable Kotapola Amarakhiththi Thero chanted Pirith to bless the disabled Soldiers and those who fight against LTTE Terrorists in the battle front. To mark the event four amputees those who are currently receiving Walking Aid were offered with the Gel Socks. In addition to Gel Socks, all Soldiers at the facility were offered with a bag of fruits (Apples, Oranges & Grapes) individually at their wards at a cost of over Rs. 25,000.

Vavuniya Field Hospital Receives Army Chief

Commander Of the Army Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka with several senior officers at the Army Headquarters Thursday (26) morning made a special trip to visit injured War Heroes in the Vavuniya field hospital.

The Army chief spoke to those wounded War Heroes and shared a couple of thoughts with them while inquiring into their specific needs, if any. He also instructed medical authorities in the hospital to provide all medical requirements for those inmates without fail. Commander, showing his fatherly care towards his brave soldiers listened to their opinions on ongoing clearing operations and inquired into their welfare measures. .

During their powwow with the Commander, soldiers under treatment expressed their readiness to re-join their fellow-mates on the battle front soon after their recovery and vowed to fight against the enemy.

Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka wished them well before he departed to the Security Forces Headquarters Wanni (SFHQ-W) at the end of the hospital visit.

Major General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander SFHQ-W after welcoming the Commander on his arrival sat with a gathering of Senior Ground Commanders representing Divisions and Brigades. Exchange of views on ground realities and present operations centered on the discussions that prevailed for some time. He gave further instructions and guidelines to his field commanders about future operations and other security measures need to be adopted.




Courtesy- SL Army

SL expatriates commemorate 'Ranaviru Day' at Auckland

The " Ranaviru Commemoration Ceremony" on 07 June 2008 was held in Auckland, New Zealand organised by The New Zealand Society for Peace, Unity and Human Rights in Sri Lanka ( SPUR New Zealand).

The Chief Sangha Nayake of New Zealand Ven. Walgama Munindawansa Thero, Rev. Father Dharshana Jayamanne and Mr. M.C.A. Hassan addressed the large gathering. All three religious leaders appreciated the efforts made by the personnel in the security forces in Sri Lanka to maintain the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka. They paid respect to those who sacrificed their lives.

The highlight of the ceremony was lighting of lamps by those who attended at 7pm. This is a part of the worldwide ceremonies organised by the expatriate Sri Lankan community living around the world and New Zealand was the first country to celebrate the event."

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan expatriates residing in Melbourne and the Society for Peace, Unity and Human Rights in Sri Lanka (SPUR), Australia also held poojas to bless and commemorate the war heroes.





Sri Lankan expatriates in Melbourne and the Society for Peace, Unity and Human Rights in Sri Lanka (SPUR), Australia also held poojas, on 07th June.



Related Article : Do not betray victory of the nation - President at National War Heroes day

Do not betray victory of the nation - President at National War Heroes day

"I ask all political parties including the opposition, and various other organizations not to betray the victory we have won as a nation. If anyone tries to destroy this, it would amount to destroying a great mansion built upon the aspirations of the people," said President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his address at the National War Heroes Day celebrations at Sri Jayawardenapura - Kotte, today (June 07).

He called upon the people to "look at the great commitment and sacrifice of our troops, and calmly and courageously extend all your support to the security forces, the police and the government."

The President also said that today even innocent children who know nothing of race, ethnicity or caste are being attacked by terrorists. The unarmed and innocent civilians are attacked. The terrorists are trying to get us entrapped. They are trying to provoke the people, fan communalism and benefit by it. The terrorists have plenty of time to plot how they can delay the day our troops move into Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu. That is their great need. We have the need to give the Tami people in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu their democratic rights, as we did for the people in the East. But because the terrorists do not want that, they seek to create trouble in other areas and gain time to their advantage.

Here is the text of the President's address:
Today we celebrate National War Heroes Day near the parliamentary complex at historic Sri Jayawardenapura. We considered it important to have this memorial to our War Heroes located near our supreme legislature because of the service rendered by our War Heroes to safeguard parliamentary democracy and the rights of the people. The importance of having this memorial near the legislature is understood when one realizes the service of our War Heroes to safeguard justice and fair play in a country that was about to be subjugated by terrorism and the law of the jungle, in place of democracy. Now, the representatives of the people will also have the opportunity to pay their respects to the heroes who are protecting democracy before they enter the shrine of democracy.

The time is not very far when our War Heroes will be honoured not only in our country but throughout the world. Our War Heroes are fighting with sacrifice of their lives to mark a full stop in Sri Lanka to international terrorism. Wherever in the world terrorism is defeated militarily it is a defeat for international terrorism. There was a time when no one thought our War Heroes will be able to give this example to the world. Our War Heroes are not only engaged in battling terrorism, they are also engaged in a great operation to ensure and provide the human rights and the necessities of the people.

When the first humanitarian operation to free Mavil Aru was launched, many said that our troops will not be able to free the area from terrorists without blasting the anicut. Having won at Mavil Aru when they proceeded to Sampur, we were told that even if Sampur is captured, we will not be able to fully govern it, because of the lack of support from the people of the area. Having liberated Sampur when our troops moved to free Vakarai, we were told that because of the fall of an important fortress of the terrorists, Prabhakaran will teach us a very good lesson. When Vakarai was won and our troops moved to clear Thoppigala, there were some even in this parliament who said that our troops were stranded in the jungle of Thoppigala.

Now, when we have liberated Thoppigala and also held provincial elections in the east, it is said that the eastern election was corrupt. They are opposed to the war to save the country and to the election that expresses the will of the people.

Friends, it is possible, if necessary, for us to use the armed forces to erect fences and barricades to protect the country, but how can we fence or barricade the mouths of those who hate the country? We are politicians and representatives of the people. We are able to reply to these allegations. We have a right to issue statements in response to these charges in parliament, in accordance with the rules and privileges. But at the theatres of war at Jaffna or Muhamalai, the troops who come forward ready to sacrifice their lives facing up to enemy bullets, and their officers, have no opportunity to respond to false charges and allegations. Often they do not even have the chance to have their meals in the midst of battle. I have often been told that much pain of mind is caused by these charges to the troops who are ready to sacrifice their lives.

When we began we had to make a great commitment to build the morale of our troops. It is not possible to win a war with weapons alone. For this it is necessary for the soldier who goes into battle to have trust and confidence in his leadership. In order to build their morale we had to resolve many problems affecting then, such as service conditions, weapons training, suitable housing, and education for their children.

By facing up to the international forces that were attempting to make us withdraw the steps we had taken against terrorism, and by replying to the false charges they made, we showed that we were not ready to betray our troops. From the time it began, the battle against terrorism, against Eelam; this battle to develop the country, has been pulled back to serve the interest of various forces. This was due diverse pressures such as international opinion or the interest of those in this country who seek to profit from the slogan of peace. But we have not made our troops take a single step forward for political reasons and also they have not taken any step back due to any such interests or pressures, and will not do so in the future too.

Friends, today even the innocent children who know nothing of race, ethnicity or caste are being attacked by terrorists. The unarmed and innocent civilians are attacked. This is what we saw in the past few days. They are trying to get us entrapped. They are trying to provoke the people, fan communalism and benefit by it. That is their present necessity. The terrorists have plenty of time to plot how they can delay the day our troops move into Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu. That is their great need. We have the need to give the Tami people in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu their democratic rights, as we did for the people in the East. But because the terrorists do not want that, they seek to create trouble in other areas and gain time to their advantage. It is to gain time that they seek to overthrow the government, use human rights and various other means to psychologically weaken us, and seek to defeat us by cutting off aid. All this is done to gain time for their purposes. But we do not have the time. We have to finish this battle against terrorism soon.

I call upon you to look at the great commitment and sacrifice of our troops, and calmly and courageously extend all your support to the security forces, the police and the government. I ask all political parties including the opposition, and various other organizations not to betray the victory we have won as a nation. If anyone tries to destroy this, it would amount to destroying a great mansion built upon the aspirations of the people.

Today, when faced with increased costs of goods, a high cost of living, being killed by mines and bombs, what these mothers of our War Heroes and our people ask is that we free the country, and create the conditions for all to live in a society without fear and mistrust. We are not ready to hand the menace of terrorism to the next generation. We look at these mothers who have given their children to the armed forces; the wives who have sent their husbands to the forces and give them all strength and encouragement, the children of our War Heroes, and we know that they have sacrificed their lives for the freedom of this country, to safeguard democracy in the country.

These mothers deserve not only honour from the entire country for the great sacrifice they made when they gave their children to save the country. Their children too deserve an entire country for their great sacrifice, So, I ask you not to criticize these Heroes of War and fool around with the children of these mothers.

As much as we have built this monument in granite for our Heroes of War, we must all have a monument to them in our own hearts, which will also be a monument to the mothers of these Heroes of War. I am certain that our people will always have these heroes in their hearts and minds.

As we remember and honour our Heroes of War, on behalf of the country and the nation, we pledge to complete the task of safeguarding democracy and restoring peace for which they sacrificed their lives and assure you all that the day is not far when we shall accomplish this.

Courtesy : Presidential Media Unit

Api Wenuwen Api' fund launched in UK

Sri Lankans in UK, gathering to celebrate Ranaviru Day at the Kingsbury Buddhist Temple yesterday (June 7), launched a fund to build houses for families of servicemen, 'Api Wenuwen Api'.

It was decided to collect enough funds to build 100,000 houses under this project. Already 40,000 pounds have been collected, according to sources in London.

A website has been already launched facilitate contributions to this fund; http://www.apiwenuwenapi.co.uk.

Ven. Piyadassi Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Kingsbury Buddhist Temple, called upon all Sri Lankans committed to restoring peace and democracy in the country to contribute lavishly to this noble cause.

Defence.lk opens online payment gateway for Api Wenuwen Api fund

Defence.lk has opened an on line payment gateway for those who are willing to make contributions for the Api Wenuwen Api fund maintained by the Ministry of Defence , Public Security , Law and Order of Sri Lanka. The fund facilitates Api Wenuwen Api housing project aimed at building 50000 houses for the members of the armed forces.

The online payment facility has been set up as a result of requests made by Sri Lankan expatriates to have a trouble-free way to make their contributions. The Ministry of Defence with the co-operation of the Sampath Bank provides the secure payment facility on its official website www.defence.lk from today onwards.

The first phase of housing project is presently underway at Ipalogama in the Anuradhapura district. Construction works of 1620 houses have already been completed.

A house built under this projects costs 2.4 million rupees out of which 1 million is provided by the government while the rest is expected to be found through donations. The houses will be given to the security forces, personnel at a cost of 800,000 rupees each.

Viru Dana Gee Sara successfully held at BMICH

Viru Dana Gee Sara, a musical spectacular organized by the Seva Wanitha Unit of Ministry of Defence, Public Security, Law and Order was held successfully at the Bandaranayke International Convention Hall (BMICH), Colombo last evening (May 26). The event was organized as a part of fund raising campaign for the Ministry sponsored Api Wenuwen Api housing project for the war heroes.

First Lady, Madam Shiranthi Rajapaksa was the chief guest to the occasion. Chairperson of the Ministry's Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Ioma Rajapksa, Tri Forces' Commanders, and the Inspector General of the Police and Senior officials of the Ministry of Defence graced the occasion.

Popular local artists including Victor Rathnayake, Keerthi Pasquwel, Nirosha Virajani, Edward- Charitha duo, Senanayake Werilyadda, Nelu Adikhari and many others entertained the audience. Dancing events were performed by the Tri Forces, Police, Civil Defence Force dancing groups and students of Ranga Kala Ayathanaya. Music was provided by the Tri Forces and Police bands. The Independent Television Network (ITN) staff coordinated the event.

The Seva Vanitha Unit also presented mementos for those philanthropists who had contributed to the success of the event. The organizers said the funds raised from the tickets will be credited to the Api Wenuwen Api fund.

The Api Wenuwen Api housing project undertaken by the Ministry on an idea of Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa is aimed at building of 50,000 houses for the members of the armed forces. The first phase of the project is already underway at Ipalogama in the Anuradhapura district where the Ranjaya Pura is being built at present. Over 1600 houses along with all the infrastructure facilities have been completed so far under the Ranajaya Pura housing scheme.