President promises long-lasting peace, reconciliation

President Maithripala Sirisena flanked by his newly-appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan at the national Deepavali celebrations held at the President’s house

President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday said that he would take every possible step to build long-lasting peace and reconciliation in the country.

He made these remarks while addressing a special ceremony held at the President’s house to mark the country’s Deepavali celebration, which was organised under the President’s guidance. “Cultural ceremonies such as Deepavali play a pivotal role in building coexistence and reconciliation among different communities that suffered numerous adversities due to the separation between communities over the past decades,” President Sirisena stated in his Deepavali message.

President Sirisena said that all citizens must be subject to just and equal treatment.

The ceremony was colourful, with many cultural events, including traditional dances.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Opposition leader R. Sampanthan, ministers and MPs, including Douglas Devananda, Northern Province Governor Reginald Cooray, Deputy Minister Angajan Ramanathan and dignitaries including diplomats participated in this event.