President Rajapaksa said his speech is diffrent to that of many Independence Day speeches as it added 'determined courage'

Rajapaksa said Tamil National Alliance (TNA), who recognises Tamil Tigers as Tamls' "sole representatives", is yet to enter into "any dialogue or agreement" with his administration.

Addressing the nation in front government leaders and foreign dignitaries at Galle Face Green to mark Sri Lanka's 59 Independence Day, the President said it is essential that all parties put motherland before anything else.

The only way to safeguard innocent Tamils in the North from terrorism and violence and to liberate North is to join hands with us Preisdent to TNA

Religious leaders and representatives of all communities also attended the ceremony.

Making a special appeal on TNA parliamentarians, he said:

"The only way to safeguard innocent Tamils in the North from terrorism and violence and to liberate North is to join hands with us".

He called on the TNA to take part in the All Party Conference (APC) discussing a political solution for the national question.

	Rajapaksa said he is determined to 'liberate Tamils from terrorism'

The President said his address is different to that of other Independence Day speeches.

Commenting on the recent victories of the armed forces in the east, Rajapaksa said he injected "determined courage" to the 59 Independence Day.

Accusing the Tamil Tigers of inflicting the recent violence by closing Mavil Aru aniket, Rajapksa reiterated his commitment to achieving long lasting peace.

He urged countrymen including journalists not to engage in activity that would jeopardise island nation's stability.