TOKYO, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa is calling on the country's citizens to join the island's battle against terrorism.
Rajapaksa, while on an official trip to Japan, called on the Sri Lankan people to move against terrorist elements including the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. Rajapaksa made assurances that moves are under way at various levels in the government's battle against terrorism, the Sri Lanka government news reported.
"I know all of you expect from me to protect our Motherland. We have to beat all odds in doing so," Rajapaksa said in a statement. But I would like to assure you that my battle will continue until we completely eradicate terrorism in Sri Lanka."
Tuesday Tamil Tiger rebels and five Sri Lankan soldiers were killed in the northern part of the country.
Rajapaksa said during the recent speech in Japan that stories are being fabricated by interested parties to stop the government's battle against terrorism.
"But I would like to assure you that none of those interested parties can put the brakes on Sri Lanka's determined battle against ruthless terrorism," Rajapaksa said.
