“AT THE OUTSET, I am pleased to address the true heirs of the victory of our motherland today for the first time. You committed yourselves for three years to fight terrorism that threatened the territorial integrity of the country and its nation for thirty years. I make this opportunity to pay our tribute and gratitude on behalf of the people of all ethnicities for that.
There is no argument over the fact that you have dedicated immensely to safeguard the sovereignty of the motherland during this period. We cannot forget that great sacrifices of our War Heroes at the risk of their own lives despite attempts of ridicule and betrayal by some elements.
Specially, our countrymen would not forget it. History bears testimony to the fact how our forces were condemned and rendered desperate at that time which is better known to you than to myself.
You may remember how powerless you became inside your own bunkers when terrorists raised their clothes and showed nudity to you. It is very difficult for one to forget the fact that our troops were not only confined to their camps but were made to negotiate with terrorists and in some instances, even escort terrorist leaders for their movements. History is fast fading from the memory of many. We had to pass an era in which a terrorist was elevated to the status of a combatant or a liberation fighter while our soldier was let down to the level of an Army Karaya (mere soldier). We had to change the minds of the soldiers, War Heroes and also of the people at large. We had to work tirelessly to transform the notion of the “Bloody War” to that of a Humanitarian Operation.
We had to tell the ground reality to the world while some media channels continued to attack and carry disinformation as foreign influence on us intensified. I still remember how some foreign leaders who preach on War and Peace met me and told me that this war cannot be won because Parabhakaran was a “great warrior.” They also went on telling that Tigers were committed to their cause and were fighting for their liberation through commitment and therefore I must not touch the question of a war.
But we placed full confidence in our War Heroes. Today we have testified to that reliance. Then we told that we relied on our soldiers and their commitment to safeguard the motherland. At the same time, we were successful in suppressing international and local influence, and continued the war until the entire east and north were liberated.
You underwent immense pains being away from your home, beloved parents, wives and children to wage this war. We cannot forget it and also we don’t let anybody betray the country freed through that sacrifice.
You never raised issues on your salary, meals or welfare. Your only objective was to liberate the country with its people which you finally attained. You sacrificed everything. Therefore, all our countrymen are indebted to you.
You have finished the War and created an environment for all communities to live freely. We appreciate it. Today you have time to look after your family requirements and their future more than ever.
I provided everything you needed. We catered not only to your weapon requirements in the battlefield but also your other necessities. It is my belief that we were able to supply arms, ammunition and other things needed to carry on with the war amidst our declining economy due to support given by our people including the working class.
It is our duty as a government to ensure your welfare from the senior most to the junior most to compensate your sacrifice.
Secretary Defence with his team is busy launching housing schemes for War Heroes in different areas according to their wish and going round the country to collect information of fallen Heroes and in search of needs of their families. We are planning to start schools for War Heroes’ children in each province and each division. I wish to remind you that we, as a government, are bound to pay special attention to their welfare.
Today, working communities in the country are again poised to demand their rights and pay hikes but you never did so. The government sector will get a salary increase begining next January. As the President and Minister of Finance, I order a salary increase to all members of the tri services with immediate effect.
While honouring the bounden duty to protect the reputation you earned for your motherland. nobody will hereafter be allowed to betray this motherland anymore. I wish you all a bright and prosperous future.”
