LANKA-RAJAPAKSA 2

Rajapaksa said his dramatic victory was a perfect
response to those who had criticised his handling of the war
against the Tamils, an apparent swipe at Western nations who
had raised issues of abuses and war crimes.
"The overwhelming mandate given in this election has
given an answer to these critics.
"The people of Sri Lanka, democratically and very
cleverly, have shown that they are now free of threats, free
of fear, free of terrorism -- and they have shown they support
the measures which have freed them," the presidential
statement said.
The EU, UK and US have backed calls for an
investigation into possible war-crimes in the final stages of
the fighting against the Tamil Tigers.
On emergency measures brought into force in the
country during the height of its forces combat with the Tamil
Tigers, the Lankan President said: "Emergency measures taken
to defend the country and people against terrorism will be
dismantled, not hastily but in due course, and in keeping with
the proper security considerations."
Reaching out to his opponents, Rajapaksa said his
victory was a vote for an end to division and an end to
terrorism for a new beginning in the war-ravaged country.
He said his ally-turned-opponent Sarath Fonseka need
not have any fears and will have no problems. (MORE) PTI