Colombo, Feb 4 (newsin.asia): Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, on Monday urged all political parties to unite to eradicate poverty and corruption and accomplish the ultimate goals of Independence as the country celebrated its 71st National Day.
The President also opposed the formation of a National Government with a party that has only one seat in Parliament. He was referring to a bid by the United National Party (UNP) led by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to form a National Government by entering into an MOU with Muslim party with a single member in parliament.
The formation of a National Government would enable the UNP to expand the cabinet from 30 to 45 enabling it to accommodate political aspirants ahead of the coming provincial, Presidential and parliamentary elections.
President Sirisena told the 71st Independence Day celebration in Colombo that it was not correct to form a national government just to give more ministerial portfolios.
“We should move away from the practice of concentrating on one’s political camp and thinking of political aspirations,” the President said.
Sirisena, in a message to mark the National Day said that Sri Lanka could accomplish colossal tasks, similar to those gigantic achievements of other great civilizations in the world, by being independent.
“Our prime objective should be to collectively commit ourselves to achieve the true meaning of the freedom we obtained with a new vision and renewed vigour,” Sirisena said.
“For future progress we need people with spirits invigorated by national customs, values and culture. We are people who established our own national identity from the beginning. Therefore, on this auspicious occasion. I would like to emphasize that time has come to build the economy of our country on the foundation of agriculture,” he added.
Sirisena further remembered all the service men and women who had dedicated themselves to safeguard the freedom and independence of the island nation and the thousands who sacrificed their lives for this purpose.
Sri Lanka held a grand military parade in capital Colombo to mark the 71st National Day from British colonial rule, which included an air and sea parade by the air force and navy.
President Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, political legislators and diplomats were among those who were present to view the parade.
Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was the Chief Guest at this year’s celebratory event held in Colombo.
