Jan 27, Moneragala: Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa says he is committed to safeguard the country's sovereignty and he will not hesitate to take any decision to protect the people and the country from any threat.

Addressing a ceremony held in Moneragala Pradeshiya Sabha ground Friday to distribute Ranbima land deeds to 10,000 landless families in the district, the President emphasized the need to teach the children all three languages.

He pointed out that if the Sinhalese were taught Tamil and Tamil were taught to Sinhalese according to what he suggested in 1971, many problems today would have found solutions.

He also stressed the need for the younger generation to study English as well.

Ministers A.L.M. Athaulla and Jagath Pushpakumara, deputy ministers Indika Bandaranayake and Vijayamuni Soysa, Governor of Uva Province Nanda Matthew, Chief Minister of the Uva Province Shashindra Rajapaksa, members of the Maha Sangha including the Chief Incumbent of the Kiri Vehera Temple Ven. Aluthwewa Soratha Thera were present on the occasion.

(Photos by Nalin Hewapathirana)