‘No room for racial politics and religious extremism’

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared that there will be no room for racial politics or religious extremism hereafter in the country.

He made these comments while delivering the Government’s Policy Statement during the inaugural session of the 10th Parliament.

The President said that all the people who voted for the NPP and those who didn’t are citizens of the country and that fulfilling the needs and expectations of all these citizens is the government’s responsibility.

“Therefore, our government and I are duty-bound and committed to fulfilling the needs of the people,” he said.

The President further vowed that he and the government would not allow the relationship with the country’s people to be affected and said that they were bound and committed to continuing this governance.

He stated that a significant opportunity has now emerged to build national unity in the country, which has been an aspiration of the people for a long time.

“We can have various political views and opinions. But I will tell you one thing with responsibility; racial politics will not be allowed in the country again.”

“At the same time, no form of religious extremism will be allowed to raise its head,” he declared.

“We are a people who have been affected by more than enough racial tensions.” He stated that enough blood has been spilled and enough tears have been shed over such conflicts.

“It is the responsibility of all of us who are representing this parliament to ensure that such a nation is not created for future generations,” he added.

“We can have any slogans to engage in politics, be it economic or democratic. However, I assure you that no one will be allowed to utilize racist and extremist slogans to come into power again in the country hereafter.”