“Our government firmly believes that terrorism cannot be eliminated through military means alone. We remain fully committed to talking with the LTTE either directly or through a facilitator. It is our hope that the LTTE will transform itself from a terrorist outfit to one that is committed to dialogue and democracy. Our government stands ready to respond to any display of goodwill and a move towards a non-violent approach,” said President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the 61st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York today (20).

President Mahinda Rajapaksa currently in New York to attend the 61st UN Summit met with dignitaries and briefed them about the government’s genuine efforts to finding a peaceful solution to the ethnic problem in Sri Lanka.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited the New York Buddhist Vihara yesterday accompanied by Madam Rajapaksa. Chief Monk Ven. Kurunnegoda Piyatissa Thera pointed out that the President was the first Sri Lankan head of state to visit the New York Buddhist temple.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has told UN Secretary General Kofi Annan that the Sri Lankan security forces had been compelled to take measures to defend themselves in the face of widespread provocations by the LTTE.

“Let us call upon the Non-Aligned Movement as well as the United Nations to strongly renew the commitment to fight terrorism whenever and wherever it decides to raise its ugly head. At the same time all of us together need to find innovative means and ways to combat terrorism, as it poses a grave threat to the political and economic well-being, sovereignty and territorial integrity of nation States.”

President Mahinda Rajapaksa appointed Mr. Mahanama Thilakaratne, a retired High Court Judge to inquire into the abductions, disappearances and killings that have been happening in the country recently.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa who left the country to attend the 14th sessions of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is expected to arrive at the Jose Marti International Airport in Havana later today. (September 14, 2006).

Finance Minister, Shri P. Chidambaram this morning called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees for discussions.

A group of diplomats attending the 2006 Commonwealth Finance Ministers’ Summit called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa last evening for discussions on the Sri Lankan peace process and how Sri Lanka can be aided socially, economically and through financial corporation.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday reiterated his call to the LTTE to renounce terrorism and enter into negotiations to promote peace and development for the benefit of all.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa is scheduled to leave the island tomorrow for the Cuban capital Havana, to attend the 14th Non Aligned Summit (NAM).

International Independent Group of Eminent Persons to act as Observers of investigations into abductions, disappearances and extra judicial killings President Mahinda Rajapaksa has decided to invite an international group of eminent persons to act as observers of investigations into alleged abductions, disappearances and extra judicial killings.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa declared today that the Government is endowed with the responsibility and challenge of creating a harmonious environment in which all communities and religious groups could live sans fear and suspicion.

Sampur has been captured by the Army announced President Mahinda Rajapaksa today, addressing the SLFP’s 55th anniversary.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa met with the UK Prime Minister Tony Blair at his country residence, Chequers, yesterday. Mr Blair interrupted his holiday to meet President Rajapaksa who was on a private visit to London.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa held a one hour meeting with British Prime Minister Tony Blair, at Buckingham Shire, at around 4 pm Sri Lanka time today (31). President Rajapaksa is on a three day private visit to London.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa currently on a private visit to England is scheduled to meet with British Prime Minister Tony Blair today.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa left the island this morning on a three day visit to London

Sports officers of the participant countries at the 10th South Asian Games held in Colombo called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa this morning. The representatives and members of the Sports and Athletic Associations who were also present thanked the President and the government for holding the Games on a grand scale.

Raj Chengappa, India Today COLOMBO: With his brawny good looks, Mahinda Rajapaksa could easily pass for a hero of South Indian films. He did, in fact, act in a Sinhalese film but first chose law and then politics as his main vocation.