Tue May 20 13:16:08 UTC 2025: Okay, here are a summary of the text, followed by the news article:
**Summary:**
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, addressing the 16th “War Heroes’ Commemoration Ceremony,” pledged to build a society based on justice and ensure lasting peace, acknowledging the shared grief across ethnic lines from the decades-long civil war. He emphasized the need to prevent future conflicts, recognizing the manipulation of conflict, racism, and extremism for political gain. While his government faces scrutiny over its reconciliation and development promises, Dissanayake urged for global compassion and peace. Opposition leaders call for addressing the war’s root causes and implementing promised reforms, while rights groups demand justice and accountability for past abuses.
**News Article:**
**Sri Lankan President Vows “Lasting Peace” Amid Calls for Justice on War Anniversary**
**COLOMBO, May 20, 2025** – Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has vowed to build a society “anchored in justice” and ensure “lasting peace” for the island nation, acknowledging the shared grief of the civil war’s victims regardless of ethnicity. His remarks came during the 16th “War Heroes’ Commemoration Ceremony” on Monday, a day after Tamils commemorated their loved ones lost in the war’s final stages.
“Grief knows no ethnicity,” Dissanayake stated, recognizing the devastation faced by families across the country. He emphasized the need to prevent future conflicts, citing the strategic exploitation of conflict, racism, and extremism for political purposes.
Dissanayake, who came to power last year, faces increasing scrutiny over the implementation of promised reconciliation efforts and equitable development. His National People’s Power party had raised expectations, particularly among Tamils, for meaningful change.
Opposition leader Mano Ganesan of the Tamil Progressive Alliance urged the government to address the “root causes” of the war, highlighting historical discrimination against minorities.
Amnesty International echoed these concerns, calling on the government to undo past failures and bring justice and accountability for past abuses. The rights watchdog underscored that impunity has fueled conflict in the past and that a new Sri Lanka demands addressing the concerns of survivors and their families.
The President’s address and the ongoing calls for justice underscore the challenges Sri Lanka faces in achieving lasting reconciliation and healing from the wounds of the decades-long conflict.
First Piper 