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Independence Day celebrations at Sethsiripaya : Peace process will be a success, says Minister

The Government's peace process will be a success, said Western Region Development Minister M.H. Mohamed.

Speaking as the chief guest at Independence day celebrations organised by Sethsiripaya office complex employees, he said he participated at the first anniversary of independence as a member of the Colombo Municipal Council.

The Minister said he is reminded of a statement made by D.S. Senanayake on that occasion. Mohamed said what Senanayake said on that day is relevant even today.

Senanayake wanted all communities to work together to make the independence meaningful. He said if we are divided on racial, religious, caste or class basis, we will never develop the country. "The war that was destroying the country for the last 20 years has come to an end. We are confident that the peace process initiated by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will be successful", he said.

Mohamed said all Sri Lankans must work with the feeling for the country.

The ceremony began with the hoisting of the National flag. S. Amarasekara, Secretary Ministry of Western Region Development said when Sri Lanka became independent in 1948, it was the richest country in Asia.

"However during the last 55 years we have declined economically, due to the mismanagement of our resources. We must try to increase our wealth and it could be only done with the co-operation of the people," he said. "It is our duty to make a firm resolution to assist and contribute for the country's development".

Lakshman Jayasekara, Director General of the Urban Development Authority (UDA) also addressed the meeting.

The celebration was organised by the Poduseva Sanagamaya. A large number of employees including H.G.C. Wimalaweera, President of the Sanagamaya, M. Vincent, Director, Physical Planning Department K.V. Dharmasiri, Deputy Director General, UDA also participated.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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