Speeches

A New Constitution Designed to End the Ethnic War
Address to Parliament Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka AUGUST 3, 2000 Mr. Speaker today is indeed a historic day.. It is also a special day in the history of a great people, with a history of over thousands of years....
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Finding a Lasting Solution to the Ethnic Conflict
52nd Anniversary of the Independence of Sri Lanka Colombo, Sri Lanka FEBRUARY 4, 2000 Let me begin today by giving thanks to the people of Sri Lanka. On the 21st of December, 1999, the people of this nation gave me...
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“Our vow and our destiny are that peace must reign”
Second Presidential Inaugural Address Colombo, Sri Lanka DECEMBER 22, 1999 It is with an intense and an immeasurably deep sense of gratitude to all my Sri Lankan brothers and sisters, who have once again reposed their faith in me as...
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Ethnic Conflict Needs a Final Solution
Presidential Election Speech as Candidate for People's Alliance Colombo, Sri Lanka DECEMBER 14, 1999 The time has come for all of us collectively to focus our minds on the most important question that faces Sri Lanka today. The ethnic conflict...
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On the 50th Anniversary of the
Independence of Sri Lanka
Presidential Address, 4th February 1998 I am humbled by the great honour that destiny has bestowed upon me, to stand here, before my people, as the Head of independent Sri Lanka, on this momentous day when the Nation commemorates 50...
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An Era of Peace and Prosperity
Inaugural Meeting of the Sudu Nelum Colombo, Sri Lanka JULY 8, 1995 An era of Peace and Prosperity We are aware that the Sudu Nelum Flower – White Lotus – symbolizes the lofty values of peace and purity and prosperity....
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