Minister’s message for the website of the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation
It is essential to have peace and reconciliation among the people for the development of a country, peace and prosperity. In a country like Sri Lanka, where a multi-ethnic, multi-religious community resides, future prospects cannot be ignited without harmony.
Starting a new chapter with the aim of moving forward as a country, the people are rallying for one purpose regardless of caste and religion.
Although there have been claims in the past to create reconciliation between nationals, since those claims were just claims, the need for a program that will make national unity and religious harmony within a practical reality is being felt more than ever at the present time.
The mistrust and suspicion among the nationals are obstacles to the unity and reconciliation that should exist among those nationals, so a society should be built where there is trust in each other. Due to the suspicion and mistrust among the nationals, we had to face many other tragic events including the cursed war of thirty years.
It is clear from the people’s trust in the current Government that all the people have confirmed that they should work together as a country, regardless of North or South. To secure that trust, it is our primary objective to implement a constant reconciliation program.
Although there are different nationalities and religions living in our country, the existing diversity should be used as a blessing in the process of building peace and reconciliation, and the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation should be appointed as the bridge to build national harmony and religious harmony.
Through institutions like the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation, the people aspire to create a society that values reconciliation and can ensure each other’s cultural and political freedom by preparing the basic environment necessary for all people to live together in peace while understanding diversity respecting national and religious identities.
The aim of the office should be to lead the country to build a social environment that respects human rights, freedom, rule of law and equality, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, language, caste, etc.
We should not allow for any disruptive action that harms religious harmony, national unity, and should be determined to build a country capable of working to protect the rights of all without discrimination.
Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney at law,
Minister of Justice and National Integration
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRPERSON
I wish to thank His Excellency President Anura Dissanayake, the Minister of Justice and National Integration Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, and the Deputy Minister Hon. Muneer Mulaffer for inviting me to serve as the Chairperson of the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR). I too wish to extend my heartfelt greetings to all Sri Lankans for peace and reconciliation.
We as Sri Lankans cherish rich cultural diversity and heritage emanating from the spiritual values of four major religions. Sri Lanka’s strength lies in its diversity. Our communities, each with unique traditions and values, form the vibrant tapestry that is the essence of our national identity.
By fostering unity in diversity, dialogue, understanding, and cooperation, Sri Lanka as a nation will be able to build a society rooted in peace and shared prosperity. The wounded minds and bodies of all Sri Lankans will be cured only through economic democracy, justice, and caring for the needs of each other mainly the marginalized people.
At the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR), we are committed to promoting initiatives that bridge divides, celebrate diversity, and create spaces for collaboration. From grassroots programs to national policies, our efforts aim to ensure that every citizen feels valued, heard, and empowered.
Unity is not simply the absence of conflict, but it is the active creation of bonds that bring us closer as one nation. As we move forward, let us embrace the ideals of empathy and solidarity, ensuring that our differences become our strengths rather than obstacles.
Together, we can build a future in which all of Sri Lanka stands as a beacon of harmony, resilience, and collective progress. I invite all of you to join us in this noble journey towards national unity.
With gratitude and determination,
Wijith Rohan Fernando
Chairperson,
Office for National Unity and Reconciliation
