Common memorial to be erected in Colombo to remember all those killed in armed conflicts

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to build a monument in Colombo to commemorate all those who have died as a result of armed conflicts, political unrest, or civil disturbances in Sri Lanka since independence, Cabinet spokesman Bandula Gunawardena told reporters on Tuesday.

Gunawardenea said that the monument would be built to commemorate all civilians including members of the armed forces and police as well as ex-combatants.

The monument is a way to remember the victims of violence and to promote peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka.

The monument would be a place where people can come to reflect on the past and to look to the future with hope, he said.

The monument is to be located at a central location in Colombo, making it accessible to people from all over the country.

Responding to a question by a journalist on recent incidents where an attempt to commemorate those who were killed during the war led to heated arguments between several groups, the Minister said that the new monument will prevent such incidents from happening in the future. (RK)