Daily NEWS Srilanka

President Rajapaksa has emphasized that everyone should proceed forward in unity and safeguarding the motherland.

The President who arrived to open the reconstructed Kapuwatte Jumma Mosque in Weligama was accorded a rousing welcome by the Muslim community in the area. Thereafter the President joined in opening the Jumma Mosque.

Speaking at this function, the President pointed out that some are accusing that there is no religious harmony in the country. But he emphasized such accusations cannot breach the trust that has been built among all religions.

The President said that there was a war in the country for 30 years. All Muslims in the country were driven away from the North after giving a two hour deadline. They remained in refugee camps for some 20 years in Puttalam with the Sinhalese. The President said that after he assumed office the Muslims of the East were also driven away by the LTTE terrorists. Thereafter they had to be resettled. The President mentioned that many have forgotten the past. But the people of the country cannot forget these incidents. When the Muslims were praying in Kattankudi the terrorists stormed into the mosque and massacred them. 123 Muslims were killed. The situation has changed today. Religious freedom now prevails in the country. However false propaganda was being launched. Canards do not last long. The truth is revealed. As such the President emphasized that everyoneshould proceed forward in unity, safeguarding the motherland.

The people of Weligama presented a memento to the President to mark his arrival. Senior Minister A.H.M. Fowzie, Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Deputy Minister Faizer Mustapha, Parliamentarian A.H.M. Azwer and Chief of Presidential Staff Gamini Senarath were among those present on the occasion.