Military to commemorate end of war by focusing on reconciliation

The military will on Wednesday commemorate the end of the war by focusing on peace and reconciliation, the Ministry of Defence said today.

‘A Reminiscence of Reconciliation’, a cultural presentation of victory by the tri-forces, police and civil security department will be held on Wednesday evening at the Independence Square premises in Colombo. The cultural event will be held as part of the War Heroes commemoration programme.

A commemoration ceremony will also be held at the War Heroes Monument in Battaramulla on the same day.

The programme will be held under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena with the participation of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Karunasena Hettiarachchi told reporters today that reconciliation is essential for maintaining the lasting peace achieved after much sacrifices and the cultural programme on Wednesday is being held as a part of the Government’s effort in promoting reconciliation among the people.

It is a farsighted measure taken by the Government to promote?the Sri Lankan identity through reconciliation among the people of all races and religions.

Hettiarachchi said the President together with the Prime Minister and the Government had decided to conduct such a programme this year in order to build lasting peace through reconciliation, friendship and brotherhood among the people.

The cultural programme will see artists performing dance and musical items representing all cultural and traditional styles in the country. It will be staged with the participation of between 450 to 600 artists from the tri forces, police and civil security department. (Colombo Gazette)