We are not prepared to remove any military camps as long as threats remain, President Mahinda Rajapaksa stated in his speech at the Victory Day celebrations today (May 19).

“The diaspora has not stopped their activities (against Sri Lanka),” Rajapakse said, referring to Tamil separatists abroad.

“It is no secret that LTTE leaders are freely operating abroad.”

Some are calling for removal of camps, but these camps are not in another country, Rajapakse added, “We have troops elsewhere in the country as well.”

He stated that country’s soldiers have been entrusted with an immense task in the present, similar to during the war and that their contribution is expected in safeguarding and prolonging the hard-fought peace.

The president further said that despite various accusations there is no military interference in administration of the North.

Police and civil administrative units are continuing their activities as per usual, Rajapaksa said giving a speech at the event, which commemorates soldiers who fought against Tamil Tiger rebels.

The large military parade in at Galle Face, Colombo today marks the three-year anniversary of the end of long civil war. (AdaDerana)