New bridge gateway to peace

President opens Sri Lanka-Japan Friendship Bridge in Manampitiya:

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday expressed his fervent wish that the new Sri Lanka-Japan Friendship Bridge in Manampitiya would open a new peace road to the hearts of Tamils and Muslims in the Eastern Province.

Opening Sri Lanka's longest bridge (302 metres), the President said it was his hope that the bridge would strengthen bonds between the Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities leading to concord and amity paving the way for a new dawn in Sri Lanka.

The new bridge that will be the alternative to the old Manampitiya bridge that bore both vehicle and rail transport on the same stretch was built at a cost of Rs. 1.5 billion and spans the Mahaweli river at the furthest point linking the North Central Province with the East.

The President said seven bridges were already under construction in the East and whatever interpretation given by certain elements to the victory in the East, its real fruits are today being enjoyed by the people of the country.

He said it was the duty of all to support the Government in its bid to eradicate terrorism so that measures put in place to achieve freedom for all could be further strengthened.

"This is a task that cannot be achieved by the Security Forces alone. The people's support too is needed", the President said adding that terrorism should be rooted out completely if all communities are to attain liberation.

President Rajapaksa also noted that certain elements were trying to incite people by spreading falsehoods exceeding all bounds and accepted norms and asked those responsible not to overstep the limits.

He also asked those who act irresponsibly by disseminating false information that could inflame the public not to abuse their freedom. Ministers Maithreepala Sirisena and Jeyaraj Fernandopulle and Deputy Ambassador of Japan Nobuwaki Ito also spoke.