President Anura Kumara Dissanayake vowed to eliminate racial politics and religious extremism in Sri Lanka during his address to the inaugural session of the 10th Parliament on Thursday. Delivering the Government’s Policy Statement, he pointed out the need for unity and responsibility in governance.

“All citizens, regardless of whether they voted for the NPP or not, are equal under this government,” the President said. “We are duty-bound to fulfill the needs and aspirations of all people in this country.”

He highlighted the toll that racial and religious conflicts have taken on Sri Lanka, stating, “We have shed enough blood and tears over such divisions. It is our collective responsibility to ensure future generations are free from this strife.”

President also affirmed that no individual or party would be allowed to exploit racism or extremism as political tools. “We can engage in politics with economic or democratic slogans, but I assure you, racist and extremist slogans will no longer be tolerated in this country.”

He concluded by calling on all members of Parliament to work towards building a unified nation, a long-standing aspiration of the Sri Lankan people.