COLOMBO, May 20 (NNN-SLNEWS) – Sri Lankan President, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, paid tribute to thousands of soldiers, who sacrificed their lives in a 30-year civil conflict against Tamil Tiger rebels, as the country commemorated its 11th year anniversary of war victory, yesterday.
In a war memorial event held in Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo, Rajapaksa said, May 19, 2009, marked a very important milestone in the country’s history, as the armed forces militarily defeated the rebels, ending years of conflict to bring peace and unity.
“With the end of terrorism, people can live without fear or anxiety and enjoy their human rights freely. After a period of 30 years, we ensured democracy and built an atmosphere where free and fair elections could be held,” the president said.
Sri Lanka held its 11th-year war memorial ceremony in low key this year, as the country faces a COVID-19 outbreak which has so far infected over 1,000 people and caused nine deaths.– NNN-SLNEWS
