Sri Lanka reaffirms non-alignment commitment

Sri Lanka said on Wednesday that it remains committed to its policy of non-alignment in its foreign relations.

A statement, released by President Maithripala Sirisena's office to mark Sri Lanka's 67th anniversary of independence, said Sri Lanka looks forward to greater friendship with the world community and international relations that will support moves for peace, stability, democracy and prosperity.

Sri Lanka is part of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), a group of states which are not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc.

Sirisena, who won the presidential election last month, said the progress of Sri Lanka as a nation in unity and calls for patriotism that not only transcends the barriers of geography and community, but also focuses on the elimination of corruption in all its forms, encourage genuine service to the people by their leaders.

He called for a new commitment to the unity of Sri Lanka to safeguard freedom and democratic rights, and proceed to a future that moves further from the re-emerging forces of colonialism.

"The strengthening and progress of peace in our country requires social, political and economic policies that give the highest priority to the needs of the people. This includes social welfare, economic progress, and a determined move toward good governance, which is in keeping with the traditions of tolerance and understanding of our country," the president said in the statement.

Sirisena called on his countrymen to work hard to achieve national unity in all its aspects, with reconciliation that comes through loving kindness to all. Endi