Every citizen has a birth right to live in a free society built on human values, maintaining each individual’s identity and cultural background, the Premier said. Today, the most important factor is unity among us irrespective of cast, creed or religion, respecting each other’s cultures and traditions, he added.

We have a great responsibility to ensure a peaceful environment for every citizen to live in unity and mutual understanding maintaining their self-esteem, thus creating a peaceful country, the Prime Minister stated.

We should remember with gratitude and respect our men and women who laid their lives in combating terrorism, peace keeping and humanitarian operations across the world and the ones who became disabled while doing their duty diligently, he said.

It is our profound duty to take care of their dependents and families and also extend a helping hand to those who became distressed and destitute during the war, he further stated.

"I take this opportunity to convey my heartfelt good wishes for a meaningful commemoration of 'War Heroes Day' I also hope that this process will help heal the broken and bleeding hearts of many who were affected during the conflict. I have no doubt this will help to ensure national unity in our country. Let me also thank the Ranaviru Seva Authority for the commendable work they have rendered all these years", the Premier stated.