Sri Lanka 'to undergo people-oriented reform'
08/02/2010
The president of Sri Lanka has called for the country to be reconciled as part of a "people-oriented devolution" in the country.
Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was recently voted in for another term, was speaking on Sri Lanka's 62nd anniversary of independence from British rule.
He appealed to the international community to display understanding towards the country and offer it room to breathe as it attempts to build peace following the defeat of the Tamil Tigers rebel group last year.
Mr Rajapaksa added that Sri Lankan citizens have come up against pressure from within and outside as other nations urged his government last year to give credence to those using terrorism as a means of negotiation.
In related news, US president Barack Obama this week urged the Sri Lankan leader to work towards building peace in the country.
He added that the end of civil war for the first time in over one generation presents the nation with a valuable opportunity to forge a society that promotes equal opportunities and respect for human rights.
Written by Clare Devlin
