The development of the country will help strengthen national security, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday.
The President said the people will start questioning as to why this country should be divided when ties between various communities in the country are strengthened in economic and social fields.
"When the country has a sound road network for the people to reach the cities within a few hours, they may ask as to why this country should be divided into parts," he said.
President Rajapaksa was delivering the convocation address at the convocation of the Kotelawala Defence University at Temple Trees yesterday.
The President presented the Sword of Honour for the Best All Round Performance of Intake 27 of the Kotelawala Defence University to Second Lt. T.W.K.U Chandraratne.
He said that the recommencement of the Yal Devi train after a lapse of 25 years marked an important milestone in the country's transport sector. "The Tamil youths were prevented from joining the Security Forces by the terrorists," he said.
The President said Tamil youths are no longer reluctant to join the Sri Lanka Army, Police and the Civil Defence Force.
"The Security Forces are making tremendous efforts to promote reconciliation and friendship between the people of different communities in Sri Lanka. A number of such efforts include exchange programs of students and sportsmen between Northern and Southern parts of the country," he said. He said that the Security forces have become a bridge to promote more closer cooperation between the communities.
President Rajapaksa said members of Security Forces have shown an unprecedented interest in pursuing higher education. He added that the Security Forces armed with knowledge can do many things for the security of the country.
Chancellor General Rohan Daluwatte, Defence and Urban Development Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Vice Chancellor Major General Milinda Peiris and the Service Commanders and former service Commanders were also present. (Courtesy: Daily News)
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
(Photo Courtesy: MoD)
