by Dilanthi Jayamanne
If the enemy refuses to yield to just orders, if he refuses to come to the negotiating table and find a peaceful solution to the war, then the war would continue irrespective of peace talks, Prim Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake said when he addressed the passing out parade held at the Sri Lanka Air Force base, Diyatalawa on Saturday (December 16).

Three officers were awarded wings while 44 officer cadets were commissioned to the rank of Pilot Officer. 32 Officer Cadets and 713 Airmen passed out on completion of their basic ground combat training.

The Prim Minister stressed that the Government will carry on with the war till the enemy is vanquished. "If the enemy is willing to find a peaceful solution to the war, then we too shall comply to negotiate with them," the Premier said.

"But we will not forget the past when we agree to the enemy’s request," he added.

Prime Minister Wickramanayake said that the enemy wanted to have peace talks when he realised that he was fighting a losing battle. "But we shall not be carried away by it," he said.

"As those who now belong to the Air Force, you have to ensure the territorial integrity of our country", he said. Mr. Wickramanayake further said that it was the duty of every airman who was passing out, to build a peaceful environment.

He said that they were duty bound to eliminate terrorism from Sri Lanka.

Mr. Wickramanayake thanked the parents and relatives of the cadets and officers who were passing out, for having given their children over to the country.

"It is their duty to serve any government that comes into power", he said "You must continue to preserve the nation," the Premier added.

"War is a hindrance to the development of a country," the Prime Minister said. "If you are able to end this war which was not our seeking, then we would be able to continue with the development of the country and its nation", he said.

Mr. Wickramanayake said that it was the enemy who had decided to take up arms.

"We will fight this war to see its end", the Prime Minister stressed adding that. We would help the development process which has taken second place", he added.