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

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

All human suffering springs from unbridled desire. Unless one extricates oneself from the clutch of greed, one will not free himself from the fetters of sorrow.

When I was deciding to fight, the thought of winning or losing didn't bother me.

However formidable a military power you may be, you cannot impose upon a people anything against their will.

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

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