Removal of army camps from north will not be a reality: President

Thursday, 31 October 2013 01:16 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Tuesday stressed that the demands for removal of army camps from the north made by some elements will never be a reality.

Addressing the 23rd convocation ceremony of the Sri John Kothalawala Defence University (KDU) held at the BMICH, President Rajapaksa said Sri Lanka made history in successfully defeating terrorism and continues to do so as a country managing the post-conflict period as well. Observing that Sri Lanka set an example in eliminating terrorism and should share the experience of war victory with other countries, the President said the support of the security forces is essential to safeguard democracy. Ever since the war has ended, some opportunist elements both in Sri Lanka and abroad are still attempting to spread the idea of separatism and the government has been accused of not doing enough to provide relief to war affected Tamil population. These groups have repeatedly raised the issue of militarisation in the north and demanded for the removal of troops from the north, Rajapaksa said. “There are demands that we remove the troops from the north. This is not a practical thing to do and it will not be done,” he asserted. The President, pointing out that the government has implemented a massive development drive throughout the island as a measure to eliminate all root causes of terrorism, requested the peace loving public to support the government to defeat the conspiring elements at the very outset. President Rajapaksa commended the security forces for their priceless contribution to establish peace and the harmony in the country. Prime Minister D.M Jayaratne, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Chancellor of the KDU former Army Commander General (retd.) Rohan Daluwatta and Vice Chancellor Major General Milinda Peiris and the Commanders of three armed forces were also present at the occasion.