Govt urges utmost vigilance to thwart terrorists

The LTTE having suffered defeat after defeat in the face of the relentless advance of the Security Forces and facing imminent annihilation have resorted to targeting unarmed, helpless and innocent civilians, the Government said yesterday in a statement.

"The LTTE, thereby, has proved once again that they are terrorists and therefore to identify them in any other terms would not only be erroneous but ethically reprehensible," the statement said.

The statement: "The Government, while condemning in the strongest possible terms these cowardly attacks over the past few days, emphasises the fact that the people, Government and the nation cannot and will not be intimidated by terrorism.

The Government is of the view that nothing short of the total defeat of the terrorists can put a stop to such attacks and expresses confidence that the commitment of the heroic Armed Forces will achieve this end soon.

In the meantime, the Government reiterates that each and every citizen has a responsibility to support these efforts by exercising utmost vigilance regarding their surroundings and all suspicious persons.

The Government and the people were largely undeterred by the numerous threats to disrupt the celebrations associated with the 60th anniversary of Independence. It must be understood that the aim of the LTTE is to disrupt normal life and this is exactly what should be avoided.

The 60th anniversary of Independence was celebrated with the pride and pomp appropriate for such a momentous occasion and this itself is a victory for the people's democratic spirit and their will to be free from all shackles, including fear of terrorist attacks.

The Government also appeals to the public not to be misled by mischief-makers who could be attempting to exploit the situation for petty political gain.

Finally the Government calls on all peoples to put aside petty political differences and unite behind its efforts to bring the conflict to an end by comprehensively defeating the LTTE and implementing a pragmatic political solution within the constitutional framework which is acceptable to all communities.

The Government also extends its condolences to the victims of the terrorist attacks over the past few days and wishes speedy recovery to those who were injured."