It was Rajapaksa's first convention as SLFP leader

Rajapaksa told fellow party men at the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) convention that the government has already proved “brave enough” not to be threatened by “LTTE terrorism in the north east”.

He announced to the party coleagues that the security forces captured LTTE's strategically important Sampoor camp.

"Our troops have captured Sampoor," he told delegates of the SLFP 55 convention to thunderous applause.

	Rajapaksa is the first SLFP leader from outside Bandaranaike family

Addressing the convention as the party leader for the first time, Rajapaksa said the SLFP should now commit itself to create undivided Sri Lanka.

“The SLFP should create a free atmosphere in Sri Lanka for peace loving Sri Lankans irrespective of the race or the religion”.

The President recalled the hardships faced by former Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike in safeguarding the SLFP.

Mahinda Rajapaksa became the leader of the SLFP replacing former President, Chandrika Kumaratunga, in June this year.

It was the first time the SLFP, founded in 1952 by former Prime Minister SWRD Bandaranaike, elected a leader from outside Bandaranaike family.