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Sri Lankan president calls for national unity on Independence Day

Xinhua, February 4, 2015 Adjust font size:

Sri Lanka's newly-elected president Maithripala Sirisena on Wednesday called for national unity on the island, stating that despite the end of the country's civil war which ended in 2009, there was still a need to reconcile the communities in the North and South.

The president, speaking at the country's 67th Independence Day anniversary celebrations, noted that following the 30 years of war, former president Mahinda Rajapaksa and former army commander Sarath Fonseka ensured the defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and established peace in Sri Lanka.

He however said the hearts of the people in the North and South of the country have yet to reconcile and that would be one of the objectives of his government.

Sirisena came into power following the defeat of his opponent Mahinda Rajapaksa in a presidential election which was held in the country last month and has since then pledged to fight corruption and ensure the freedom of all communities.

Meanwhile, in a special peace statement read during the anniversary celebrations, the Sri Lankan government said while peace is now upon the island, the government will ensure and pledge to never allow this land to be traumatized by the shedding of blood.

"We pledge to protect freedom and democracy, promote entity and cooperation between the communities in this country and at all time strive to walk for peace. We pledge our collective commitment that never again will we allow for this land to be traumatized by the shedding of blood," the statement said.

The government also paid its respects to the victims and soldiers of the war and all the victims of violence since the country's independence.

"We want to advance national reconciliation in justice and equality for all citizens. We shall do this in a spirit of tolerance and compromise and uphold the unity and territorial integrity of the nation for the progress and development of our society," the government said.

Sri Lanka celebrated its 67th Independence Day on Wednesday. Endi