India deliberately aggravated Sri Lanka's ethnic crisis. It destabilized Sri Lanka [by training and arming Tamil militants, including the Tigers] so that it could play a dominant role in bringing Sri Lanka within its sphere of influence.

Through the intensive aspiration of the human soul arises in man the desire for independence.

India claimed to have intervened in Sri Lanka to secure Tamil interests. In actual fact, India came to secure its own interests.

If the Sri Lankan government resorts to state oppression against the Tamils and Muslims, then we will fight.

If I am cheated or betrayed, I will react.

What you have to assess is whether you have the will to fight.

I have gained self-confidence, courage and the support of my people.