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Minister Ranatunga emphasizes reconciliation in the country via eliminating racism and standing against religious discrimination

The Minister of Ports and Shipping Arjuna Ranatunga emphasized that the freedom of the country could be safeguard by eliminating racism and standing against the religious discrimination.

Speaking at a discussion titled ' National Reconciliation and Constitutional Reforms in Sri Lanka' organized by 'Mawrata' young community, the Minister emphasized South Africa had showcased that national reconciliation could only be achieved respecting to each other. Minister said that Sri Lanka can also obtain national reconciliation by following South African example towards national reconciliation. 

"The victory at the civil war was not an outcome of single effort by Sinhala people but was a cooperate effort and sacrifices of many other Tamil and Muslim leaders in the country. We have seen the parties who spread racism among the people everywhere and every time. They just want to achieve their political goals and grab political benefits. They don't care about the future of children and the country. We have to eradicate such activities to gain reconciliation in the country. We should respect each other. Nelson Mandela has proved it in his political movement. South Africans sing their national anthem in five languages. We used both Sinhala and Tamil languages to sing national anthem on the Independence Day celebration. However, we noticed racists’ reactions towards this effort.  Sri Lanka cannot be developed as a nation with such negative minded attitudes," the minister said.

The discussion was attended by over 300 youths from 'Mirigama' district and divisional electorate. Several copies of the constitution of Sri Lanka were also   handed over to the students who participated at the event.

Attorney- at-Law Sudarshana Gunawardena delivering his speech asserted that a constitutional reform in the country was a request by the people who really needed a change.

“People who forced the government for a constitutional change were the people who were fed up on the constitution and the government's legal procedure. They are the progressive individuals in the country. They carried out their campaign against the former leader. They requested for a fair and transparent government. They made their voice against a charismatic leader and requested for a constitutional change that decentralizes power,” Gunawardena further mentioned.