President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who is also the Defence Minister, says various local, foreign groups and individuals are trying to exploit the continuing economic and political crisis to undermine national security. The President said such efforts should be defeated.

The following is the text of the President’s statement to mark the 13th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s triumph over the LTTE: “The armed forces, who safeguarded the freedom and territorial integrity of the motherland, will never be forgotten, under any circumstances. That’s because we always respect the sacrifices they have made. Therefore, the National War Heroes Day will be commemorated this year by recalling the immense sacrifices made by the armed forces.

“None of us expected the crisis situation we are going through today. The economic crisis has expanded towards a political and social upheaval. Under any circumstances, we will not disregard the policy towards safeguarding sovereignty and independence of this country. That is because our desire is to protect the motherland above all else.

“Our armed forces put an end to the war and brought peace to the country through a humanitarian operation. There was no hatred, anger or revenge in it. Therefore, there is no room for racism or any other form of extremism in the motherland where peace was established. We regard it as a unique value in Sri Lankan society.

“We have gone through many challenging eras, and occasions, in the history. It should not be forgotten that the patriots always took the lead. The war heroes of the country represent this group. Therefore, it is important to recall that the history, too, has given you the responsibility of working cautiously after prudently considering the current challenge.

“There is no doubt that various local, foreign groups and individuals are trying to use the economic and political crisis as a pretext to undermine national security. We must defeat it together. Only then will the courageous war heroes’ commitment to the country be preserved.

“On the occasion of the National War Heroes’ Day, I pay my respects and honour to the brave war heroes who sacrificed their lives or became disabled to safeguard the freedom and independence of the nation.”