COLOMBO, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka on Saturday said it is determined to take the post-war reconciliation process forward, as the country celebrated its 69th Independence from British rule.
Speaking at the 69th Independence Day celebrations Colombo's Galle Face, President Mathripala Sirisena said that the reconciliation process has drawn the praise of those in Sri Lanka and overseas.
He said those working against the reconciliation process are clearly working against the country.
Sirisena said the government is committed to give priority to national reconciliation and unity. He also hailed the efforts of the military to defeat the Tamil Tiger rebels in May, 2009 after 30 years of war.
The president called for support to take the country forward by winning international support and assistance.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his Independence Day message, said in order to make the spirit of freedom more meaningful, the government must take steps that reaffirm the liberties of the people with regard to their economic, social and spiritual well being.
The prime minister said only a path that unites all can pave the way for a stronger Sri Lanka, a path that calls for what each Sri Lankan can give to the nation, to the common future and to a better tomorrow.
