November 23, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has underscored that every individual in the country should enjoy the right to live freely and without fear, speaking at a meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (23).
The discussion brought together senior figures from Tamil and Muslim opposition parties to review preparations for the upcoming Sri Lanka Day, set to take place in December. The event is being developed as a national celebration intended to highlight the country’s cultural richness and encourage meaningful interaction among communities.
During the meeting, the President stressed that all citizens must be able to uphold their religious and cultural practices without facing discrimination or marginalisation. He extended an invitation to all political parties to collaborate with the government’s efforts to strengthen mutual respect and promote an inclusive national identity.
According to a statement from the President’s Media Division (PMD), Sri Lanka Day aims to serve as a platform for community-building, creating opportunities for people from every background to engage with one another in an atmosphere of openness and goodwill. MPs from different communities were invited to offer suggestions, with several proposing additional cultural, educational and youth-focused activities to broaden participation.
The President also instructed the organising committee to structure the event so that people from all walks of life can participate together, ensuring that the festivities emphasise unity rather than highlight divisions.
