President Mahinda Rajapaksa should be commended for pushing ahead with the military thrust and crushing LTTE terrorism despite threats from powerful western countries, Ven Galaboda Gnanissara (Podi Hamuduruwo), Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya said.

"The President, as a valiant and far-sighted leader, ignored these threats and attempts to exert pressure to abandon the military campaign against the ruthless LTTE and achieved his goal", the prelate said in a statement.

While winning the trust and confidence of India, President Rajapaksa was able to garner the unstinted support of several friendly countries which stood by Sri Lanka’s war on terror, he noted.

With the defeat of terrorism which plagued this nation for three decades, the time has now come to stand united under one flag and live in peace, amity and harmony. That should be the primary objective of everybody, Ven. Gnanissara thera said.