President Calls for Unity and Economic Progress at 17th War Heroes’ Day 🕊️

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake used the 17th National War Heroes’ Day Commemoration to call for national unity, equal citizenship, and a shift in focus toward economic development. Key Directives & National Context • Equality & Coexistence: Stressed that Sri Lanka belongs equally to all communities (Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, Malays, and Burghers). Pledged that the Government will prevent another war from emerging by rejecting racism, extremism, and divisive politics. • Role of Armed Forces: Clarified that the military's role was to defeat separatism rather than wage war against any specific ethnic community, noting that the horrific consequences of conflict were felt by all communities. • Economic Shift: Urged the nation to channel its determination away from past conflicts and toward winning the "economic war" against stagnation, poverty, and unemployment. • Governance & Rights: Recommitted to protecting democratic freedoms, ensuring equality before the law, and guaranteeing equal rights and privileges regardless of ethnicity, religion, or social status. The annual event in Battaramulla was organized by the Ranaviru Seva Authority and attended by state officials, military commanders, and families of fallen heroes.