Secretary of Defence, Gotabaya Rajapaksa said the military success in the East is a victory for all peace loving people in the country, as it was won against terrorism. In a statement given to media yesterday (12, July), he congratulated the members of the security forces, police and civil defence force for having won this epic victory for the motherland.

SL armed forces have successfully accomplished the righteous mission they have undertaken in July 2006. They have come to the end of the long, hard journey in which they successfully defeated terror strongholds one by one from Mavil Aru, Mutur, Sampur, Vakarai, Kangikaidichchi Aru to Kokkadichloai. Now they have captured the main and last bastion of the terrorist in the East. Have my heartiest congratulations for your great victory at Thoppigala, you have brought a true victory for all peace loving people in the our motherland, the statement said.

Speaking exclusively to defence.lk the Secretary of Defence expressed his views on the Thoppigala as follows:

"I really admire the bravery, commitment and motivation showed by our soldiers during this long battle. Unless for their tireless effort and self sacrifice this victory would not be possible" he said.

"They fought a battle sans material or financial benefits. They fought it for the honour and there is no battle in this world that men of honour like them can not win" he added.

Defence Secretary also highly appreciated the inspiring role played by the leaders, both political and military of this battle.

"The clear and compelling vision of our Commander in Chief gave us the correct guidance and confidence to carryout this noble mission. He ensured that the military effort would not be confused with unnecessary political influences. That was what made difference in our performance" he added.

"Also, it was the correct leadership given by the heads of the armed forces and police that turned the President's vision into action. Their leadership kept the high morale of the troops. They came up with effective strategies that made it possible to defeat the enemy with least damage to own forces" he said.

Commenting on the efforts made by certain political leaders to belittle the security forces' feats, the Secretary Defence pointed out that this victory should not be interpreted in a political mindset. He said battle was purely against terrorism and the real victory lies in the hearts and the minds of the people who had been set free form the terror clutches.

"Such attempts show their own obtuseness. Recreant acts as such won't affect the strong determination of the security forces' to eliminate the scourge of terrorism and restore peace in the country" he concluded.