President pledges Govt. focus on development and reconciliation
President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday said that the Government would take complete responsibility in preventing the outbreak of another war and would focus on establishing development and reconciliation in the country.
He made these remarks while addressing the event marking the sixth anniversary of the historic war victory, the ‘Ranaviru Commemorative Parade’ in Matara.
Asserting that every step would be taken against terrorism, the President said that the LTTE would not be given an opportunity to regroup.
“Following the end of the war, a lot was done to rebuild damaged infrastructure but not damaged hearts and lives of the people. The previous Government built damaged roads and bridges after the war, but it could not repair the damaged hearts of the people. However, reconciliation is a primary task of this Government,” Sirisena emphasised.
The President also called on citizens to focus on reconciliation and work towards healing broken hearts and minds along with other development activities, revealing that his Government’s aim was to establish development and reconciliation in the country.
“Development following the war is important, but the development process must go hand-in-hand with reconciliation. However we will ensure terrorism does not raise its head in Sri Lanka once again and that a strong national security plan is in place,” he stated.
The President continued: “The role played by the security forces to bring peace to Sri Lanka is priceless and will never be forgotten. The honour of ending the war should go to all heads of state, tri-forces and the police. Nevertheless, I ask you to be mindful of extremist forces who are attempting to divide the communities in the country.”
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, former President Chandrika Kumaratunga, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka and members of the Government and Opposition as well as the diplomatic community attended the event.
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