Permanent War Hero monument was unveiled by the President

Addressing the public at the National War Heroes Day celebration, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that the government have a right to reply to the allegations made against Sri Lankan security forces.

The National War Heroes Day celebration was held at the grounds near the parliament in Sri Jayawardhanapura, Kotte.

President pointed out that the government 'have a right to issue statements in response to these charges in parliament, in accordance with the rules and privileges'.

"But at the theatres of war at Jaffna or Muhamalai, the troops who come forward ready to sacrifice their lives facing up to enemy bullets, and their officers, have no opportunity to respond to false charges and allegations” he added.

Support security forces

President Rajapaksa said that he was often informed about the pain caused by the allegations to the troops.

“By facing up to the international forces that were attempting to make us withdraw the steps we had taken against terrorism, and by replying to the false charges they made, we showed that we were not ready to betray our troops” President added.

President said that the governement have not used troops for political reasons and added that the troops 'have not taken any step back due to any such interests or pressures'.

President Rajapaksa has called everyone to rally behind the security forces and appreciate the commitments and sacrifices they have made for the country.