Racism raising its ugly head again in the North and South for the sake of power: President

PICS BY Pradeep Pathirana

War is a catastrophe and destruction

The responsibility of the government is to prevent any war emerging

Says everyone must work with firm determination for peace

By Ajith Siriwardana

Racism has begun to raise its ugly head again in the North and South for the sake of power, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said yesterday.

Addressing the 16th National War Heroes Commemoration Ceremony, he said the war was not natural, but it was created to obtain power, protect and strengthen power for some people.

He said children of parents who never provoked extremism or racism had to sacrifice their lives for the power struggle of some people.

The President said the war is a catastrophe and a destruction, and added that the responsibility of the government is to prevent any war from emerging.

He said everyone must work with firm determination for peace.

The President said Sri Lanka has not gained complete freedom even after the war victory, adding that Sri Lanka is a nation that has lost its economic freedom.

“Sovereignty is not a mere word. We need to achieve economic transformation, uphold the rule of law and create a country free of crime and the drug menace to enjoy full freedom,” he said.