President Maithripala Sirisena said that he is committed to peace and reconciliation in the country while strengthening peace, fraternity and reconciliation between the communities, as well as the development of the field of sport which is a universal language for healing of hearts.

He made the remarks at the closing ceremony of the 42nd National Games held at the Duraiappah Stadium in Jaffna, yesterday (02) in order to build peace, fraternity and reconciliation in the country.

The President stressed that the sports field is a place where everyone can meet regardless of their race, religion, caste or regional differences. He also said that sport plays an important role in the development of the discipline in the people and he has the power to transform an undisciplined society to a discipline.

President Sirisena said that today there is a strong need of good moral values in our country, as well as for the world and the lack of these ethical values of today everyone is at war. The whole world should achieve excellence in moral values to build a lasting peace.

The current Government is committed to providing maximum facilities for the elevation of the sport in order to build a disciplined society. The President also said that it will provide assistance to develop sports skills of children in all regions of the country in order to reduce disparities in development across the country.

All the equipment, including the stadium of high-quality, modern technology will be provided in this regard for each region, said the President.

Nearly 800 athletes representing 9 provinces of the country attended the 42nd national games and the President has also handed out awards for athletes who have shown outstanding performance.

Opposition Leader R Sampanthan, Chief Minister of the Northern Province C.V. Wigneswaran, Governor of the Northern Province, Reginald Cooray, Minister of Sports, Dayasiri Jayasekara, State Minister, Vijayakala Maheswaran, Local governments Sports Minister, athletics and many others participated in this event.