COLOMBO, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said on Tuesday that his government's responsibility is to ensure the country never returns to war, while praising the armed forces for their role in disaster response and national emergencies.
Addressing the 17th National War Heroes' Commemoration Ceremony, which marks the end of the civil war in Sri Lanka, Dissanayake said the armed forces had helped save lives during natural disasters, just as they had defended the country during war.
Dissanayake said all communities suffered the consequences of war, adding that opportunistic politicians and extremists had divided people of the same country.
He said the Sri Lankan government must guarantee the rights of people of all ethnic communities, and ensure that no other war will ever take place.
He added that the government is committed to strengthening the rule of law, protecting judicial independence and creating a democratic society where all citizens have equal opportunity. ■
