KANDY - Kandy’s political leadership dropped party differences to pay tribute to President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the security forces for liberating the country from LTTE terrorism that lasted for over three decades.

Central Province Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake and Kandy Mayor L. B. Aluwihare of the United National Party (UNP), joined the celebrations held at George E. de Silva Park on Tuesday to mark the victory over the terror group.

The event was organised by the Kandy Protection Organisation

(Mahanuwara Surekeeme Sanvidhanaya) the joint organisation of the Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim business community of Kandy.

The United National Party Mayor of Kandy L. B. Aluwihare, addressing the largely attended meeting of all communities, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the security forces deserved respect of the entire nation for their victory over LTTE terrorism that was a threat to the freedom of the people of Sri Lanka.

Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa said in the year 1948, Sri Lanka celebrated its independence from the British imperialist rule. "Sri Lanka celebrates its second national independence day today (19) after being liberated of the worst terrorist group, the LTTE."

Governor Kobbekaduwa said.

He paid a tribute to President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the heroic security forces for routing terrorism.

Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayaka, DIG Pujitha Jayasundera, President, Kandy Protection Organisation Upali Karunaratne, Lion Daya Weeraratne and K. M. R. Kulatunge spoke.