Sri Lankans must rebuild ethnic unity: RW

• In Independence Day message UNP leader says communal relations must be improved 

United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his Independence Day message, called for Sri Lankans to refocus on unity, pointing out that the cohesion that existed between different communities had eroded since Independence.  

UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe

In a statement, Wickremesinghe pointed out that at the time Sri Lanka received Independence there was greater social cohesion between the different communities of the country but over the succeeding decades this unity had gradually disintegrated. 

He recalled that during the period from 2015-2019, the Government headed by him as Prime Minister, worked to promote reconciliation and inclusiveness as well as to resolve the longstanding issues faced by minority communities.  “As Sri Lanka celebrates its 72nd Independence Day, it is important to focus on rebuilding this unity to ensure that all Sri Lankans can live in peace and harmony,” the statement said.