‘Future Lankans won’t inherit past enmities’

Rasika SOMARATHNA

* Lauds public contribution towards country’s freedom

* Will not take forward past animosities

Certain international elements are trying to level human rights accusations against the country at a time the killings of youths from all communities have stopped and when people are once again living freely and in harmony, after the elimination of the 30 year scourge of terrorism. The burden of past animosities will not be passed on to the next generation. Creating coexistence, a healthy nation and inculcating good virtues in people’s hearts are our aim, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said.

He was addressing a ceremony to open the Anura Bandaranaike Memorial Ward and the Blood Bank of the Wathupitiwala Hospital in Gampaha on Saturday. “As parents, we always believe that hatred does not cease through hatred. We will not carry forward past animosities.

‘We will not pass them to our future generation. This is the vision with which we go forward,” the President said.

He pointed out that after the defeat of terrorism, the loss of young lives from all communities has stopped and added that some think of human rights only when the killings no longer take place.

Emphasizing that the government always implements development programmes giving priority to education and health, the President noted that it was possible to focus attention on development after liberating the country from terrorists.

He said that since the defeat of terrorism, the people were living in harmony irrespective of ethnic, religious or other differences.

The President noted that the government appreciates the contribution made by the public, both in bringing freedom to the country and in developing the nation.

President Rajapaksa also praised the contribution made by late politician Anura Bandaranaike to the society.

The construction of the memorial ward at a cost of Rs 82 million was funded by the Anura Bandaranaike Memorial Fund.

The fourth death anniversary of Anura Bandaranaike, a former Parliamentarian, minister, Opposition Leader and Speaker falls on March 16.

Venerable Dr Pannala Sri Ananda Thera delivered a special anusasana. Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena also spoke. Ministers Basil Rajapaksa, Lasantha Alagiyawanne, Dulip Wijesekera, Nirupama Rajapaksa, Sudarshani Fernandopulle, Medical Superintendent of the Wathupitiwala Hospital Dr Sisira Wijesundara and Sunethra Bandranaike, Shiva Obeysekera, members of the Anura Bandaranaike Fund were among those present.