The singers said the initiatives implemented by the President over the last five years provided strength to the country’s artistes and they expressed their gratitude for the invaluable service rendered to artistes by President Sirisena.A special memento was presented to the President.

Expressing his views the President said that within an artistic society, a humanistic country will emerge where all people live in peace, harmony and with the spirit of brotherhood.President Sirisena recalled that in his 52 years of political life as well as in his lifetime, he has been happy about efforts taken by him to save the future generation from the drug menace. He also said that as artistes, they could play a wider role in making this mission a success.

The President requested them to fully commit themselves in this regard.Several prominent singers including the President of the Sri Lanka Singers’ Association Janaka Wickramasinghe were present on the occasion.