Opposition and UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe while saluting all those who contributed to defeating the LTTE said yesterday that the government was now duty bound to establish democracy in the country and provide relief to the thousands of IDPs created by the war.

"Our gratitude goes out to the security forces and the police, who by their skills and professionalism helped the country, rid itself of terrorism after 30 years."

He called on all communities Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim and Burgher to unite as one Sri Lankan nation. "Let us all raise the national flag, which symbolizes unity."