"The victims of the destructive war may be our kin, soldiers or our young ones, conscripted by the LTTE all are our people of our land. I presume and have a fervent hope that this ruinous situation is to come to an end very soon. I hope to celebrate the next Independence Day in Jaffna with more pride and jubilantly with the participation of public in thousands", Social Services and Social Welfare Minister and Chairman of Special Task Force of the Northern Province, Douglas Devananda in his address after hoisting the National Flag at the 61st Independence Day celebration in the Jaffna Secretariat yesterday.

Jaffna Government Agent, Additional Government Agent and all other staff and employees of the Secretariat participated in his function.