Statement on Peace to be made on Independence Day

Following the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) the Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to make a statement on Peace at the 67th Independence Day Celebrations to be held on 4th February, 2015. Acting Foreign Minister Ajith P. Perera and the Minister of Home Affairs and Fisheries Joseph Michael Perera taking into consideration the LLRC recommendations, have proposed to express sympathy and cooperation with the war-affected in the country and to pledge that it will be dedicated in unity to prevent recurrence of such situations in the country in the future. The LLRC recommendation 9.284 says "Leaders of all sides should reach out to each other in humility and make a joint declaration, extending an apology to innocent citizens who fell victim to this conflict, as a result of the collective failure of the political leadership on all sides to prevent such a conflict from emerging." The Commission has strongly recommended that a "separate event be set apart on the National Day to express solidarity and empathy with all victims of the tragic conflict and pledge our collective commitment to ensure that there should never be such bloodletting in the country again." This year's Independence Day celebrations will be held at the parliamentary grounds in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte. Meanwhile, the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has organized to hold a Cultural Pageant in front of the CMC on the evening of 4th February to celebrate the Independence Day. The pageant under the theme of 'National Unity' will comprise various cultural items with the participation of artistes representing from all ethnic communities.