Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared that the country remains incomplete in its freedom, despite the end of the civil war. Speaking at the National War Heroes’ Commemoration Ceremony in Colombo today, he emphasised that the nation is yet to become a true victor until it secures lasting peace and justice.
In an emotive address on the commemoration of 16 years of the end of conflict, President Dissanayake said the country had paid a heavy price in blood and suffering, calling Sri Lanka “a nation soaked in the tears of its people.” He stressed that mere military victory does not equate to national triumph and pledged to take bold steps toward reconciliation and unity. Warning of renewed efforts to stoke ethnic tensions for political gain, the President urged vigilance against divisive forces in both North and South, and reaffirmed his commitment to building a peaceful, inclusive society.
The conflict between government forces and LTTE in the northern and eastern parts of the island ended in May 2009 after nearly three decades.