Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, in a special statement to mark the eighth anniversary of the end of war, said Sri Laka should be aware that separatism may come under many guises.

"As a nation it is our utmost duty to ensure the darkness of the past does not descend upon us once again. Peace should never be taken for granted and we should have the wisdom to understand that modern-day separatism may come under many guises, against which national security should be given priority over all else. As Sri Lankans, let us consider it our bounden duty to continue to safeguard the victory of peace and unity of our Motherland, with our very lives," the former Defence Secretary said, in his statement.

Following are excerpts from his statement,

"Eight years ago today, we successfully wiped out the scourge of LTTE terrorism which had destroyed not only our freedom to live but the economic, political and social fabric of our society for over three decades. It is eight years since we brought the north, south, east and west of our country under one unitary banner and created an opportunity for all communities of Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, Burghers and Malays to live in freedom, peace and harmony.

We commemorate this day not only to honour our War Heroes for completely eliminating the most dangerous terrorist group in the world, but also to appreciate their capability to sustain and maintain this rare chance at peace.

As a nation, we should be eternally grateful to our War Heroes who sacrificed their lives and also the immense cost to their families, in creating this peaceful environment we enjoy today. If not for the courageous and righteous political leadership at the time, achieving peace would have been a mere dream. We also remember with gratitude, the blessings of the religious leaders, the support of Public and Private sectors, the general public and Sri Lankans who live overseas, for their immeasurable strength, so that we could discharge our duty with courage.

It is our honoured duty to ensure this hard-won peace is sustained, so that future generations would be able to also enjoy it. To safeguard our country, our people and its economic resources as a strong and unitary state, is the highest form of honour we can confer upon those who paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives, limbs and organs."