Attempts at achieving true reconciliation between communities cannot be limited to small steps such as singing the National Anthem in both Sinhalese and Tamil, Movement for Equal Rights said in a statement.

The MER said that there were serious inequalities in Sri Lankan society which needed to be addressed. Holding Independence Day extravaganzas without achieving equality and reconciliation is pointless, it went on to say.

Nevertheless, the MER said that certain extremist politicians were protesting even at the small step of singing the national anthem in Tamil. Such extremist elements have to be defeated for the achievement of true independence and reconciliation, the MER also stated.