“Sri Lankan abroad can now be proud of their motherland”: President

Friday, 26 October 2012 10:12 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that Sri Lankans abroad can now be proud of their motherland which has achieved sustainable peace and a miraculous development after ending three decades of terrorism. He said that terrorism which caused the country’s decline is now over and all communities have gained the opportunity to live in peace and brotherhood.

The President made these comments when he met the Sri Lankan community in Dubai on Wednesday night. The President invited Sri Lankans in Dubai to visit Sri Lanka and see the current situation in the country first hand. He requested all Sri Lankans abroad to rally round and announce their motherland’s pride to the whole world.

Speaking further, the President said that the Sri Lankans overseas, who are rendering a dedicated service to their host countries, should endeavour to render a similar dedicated service to their motherland too.

The President pointed out that certain groups sympathising with terrorists are trying to paint a wrong picture about Sri Lanka through the internet and stressed that people using the Internet facilities should beware of such machinations. He said that no person could make any allegations against Sri Lanka regarding peace and development if he or she visited the country at least once.

Referring to developments in the north and east, the President said the people in the north and east who suffered at the hands of terrorists as well as people in other parts of the country are enjoying all their due benefits and privileges today. The President said the country today had a network of developed schools, modern hospitals as well as a road network while almost 90 per cent of the country’s electricity requirements had been fully met.

The President also said new ports, airports, and large scale irrigation and highway projects had been completed in the country today. Recalling one of his earlier visit to Dubai in his capacity as Labour Minister, the President said he intervened to settle many problems encountered by Sri Lankans in Dubai during that visit including allowing them to pass through the airport without getting subjected to baggage checks when they arrive in Sri Lanka.