In a media release Presidential Advisor and leader of the Democratic Unity Alliance (DUA), Nazeer Ahmed attributed the dedication and commitment of President Rajapaksa for the nation’s victory over the plague of terrorism.

‘Not many believed that it was possible to beat the LTTE in conventional warfare,’ said Nazeer Ahmed, ‘but our President was unswerving in his belief that it was possible’. He added that today the nation was reaping the rich rewards of belief and leadership that President Mahinda Rajapaksa gave the people at a time when the situation looked bleak and hopeless. ‘It is time to celebrate the victory of the gallant armed forces have achieved over the most ruthless and brutal terrorist outfit that the world had ever seen.’

The Presidential Advisor said that Sri Lanka was the first country in the world to wipe out terrorism by military means in the recent past and that this victory would serve as a beacon to all nations who are saddled with the scourge of terrorism. He pointed out that other terrorist groups like the LTTE must realise the futility of taking to arms to win political rights.

‘It would be better’, he said ‘to settle issues by means of discussions and negotiations in a democratic and civilised manner than resorting to violent means.’

The Presidential Advisor pointed out that the International Community had made many uncharitable remarks against the motherland and that even at this point of time, they should realise that they were wrong and hypocritical in their stance towards Sri Lanka. ‘We are aware of the support the Western nations had given our country in the past and now we look forward to the same support so that we can develop the war battered North and East’.