He made these remarks participating at the 63rd Commemoration Ceremony of the late Herbert Sri Nissanka, who was a Ceylonese lawyer and statesmen. The ceremony was held at the Yamuna Sadaham Aramaya in Colombo yesterday (26th Feb.).

The President said that Mr. H. Sri Nissanka who rendered an excellent service with the contemporary national leaders in the freedom struggle, was a great son of the motherland who faced many bitter challenges with courage. President Sirisena also recalled with gratitude the commitment he made to build the Sri Lanka Freedom Party as a pioneer leader.

When compare the characters emerged in those days and the present day characters, one realizes the great tragedy, we are faced with, the President said. He added that a comprehensive program is needed to apprise the present generation regarding the great political characters in different eras that made great sacrifices for the motherland as well as regarding the leaders who led the national freedom struggle.