The Government of Sri Lanka declared the week January 8^th -14^th, 2017 as National Integration and Reconciliation Week, based on a concept of President Maithripala Sirisena.  The initiative was observed by the staff of the High Commission in Ottawa by commencing work, on Monday 09^th January, pledging to devote their energies in every manner possible towards ensuring National Integration and Reconciliation.

Followed by the hoisting of the National Flag and the singing of the National Anthem in Sinhala and Tamil, staff made the following pledge.

“While respecting the richness of our diversity

of different ethnicities, religions, regions and languages,

With the firm objective of making National Integration a reality in Sri Lanka,

we all solemnly pledge in this manner.

We are members of one and the same human race.

We will strive resolutely with determination

to foster peace among all citizens and communities in Sri Lanka

with understanding, mutual trust,

and a boundless sense of unity and compassion amongst all of us.

We pledge that we will join hands with one another

to achieve this noble objective,

and build a prosperous nation

with a Sri Lankan identity.

With clear understanding and recognition that,

to achieve sustainable development and prosperity,

national integration, reconciliation and lasting peace are essential,

we hereby pledge to act and work towards making these objectives a reality”.

(Read the Pledge in Sinhala and Tamil version in pdf format…….)

Speaking at the event, High Commissioner Ahmed A. Jawad requested staff to carry out the pledge made sincerely and with dedication in serving Sri Lanka’s best interest at all times. The High Commissioner further observed and that it would require remembering the words in the pledge and acting upon them consciously. 

High Commission of Sri Lanka

Ottawa 

January 9^th, 2017