Lauding the Sri Lankan military as a "shining example" of courage, President Mahinda Rajapaksa has said that it had come a long way from confronting the LTTE suicide bombers to capturing key rebel-held areas even as he cautioned against "unscrupulous" elements trying to destroy the nation in the "garb" of rights activists.
"They (Sri Lankan forces) have overcome many arduous tasks and all daunting challenges before them, from suicide bombers to chemical weapons and inclement weather conditions," he said.
"They emerged victorious and have undoubtedly become a shining example of sheer grit, courage, integrity and discipline and a guiding star to the entire world," he said.
Security forces confronted the "most ruthless terrorist outfit in the world", Rajapaksa said referring to the LTTE.
(For updates you can share with your friends, follow TNN on Facebook and Twitter )