The celebration of Human Rights Day in Sri Lanka this year is of special significance as it takes place when the entire country is liberated from the clutches of terrorism and all Sri Lankans enjoy the freedoms they were denied for a very long time, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said in a message to mark the World Human Rights Day.

"The defeat of terrorism and the expansion of freedom in the country demonstrate the commitment of my Government to extend the freedoms of democracy and respect for human rights to all parts of the country," the President said.

The message also said, "We shall continue to work together with the UN and the all other agencies that seek to advance Human Rights, as we continue our efforts to combat all forms of oppression and extend support to the battle against terrorism in every country where it threatens the freedom of the people."


The full text of the message:

The celebration of Human Rights Day in Sri Lanka this year is of special significance as it takes place when the entire country is liberated from the clutches of terrorism and all Sri Lankans enjoy the freedoms they were denied for a very long period.

The defeat of terrorism and the expansion of freedom in the country demonstrate the commitment of My Government to extend the freedoms of democracy and respect for Human Rights to all parts of the country.

Sri Lanka's commitment to uphold Human Rights is in keeping with the respect for Human Rights and human dignity as the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world, as stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations General Assembly 62 years ago.

We shall continue to work together with the UN and the all other agencies that seek to advance Human Rights, as we continue our efforts to combat all forms of oppression and extend support to the battle against terrorism in every country where it threatens the freedom of the people.

As Sri Lanka joins the world in celebrating Human Rights Day this year we reaffirm our commitment to continue our efforts towards the full enthronement of Human Rights in Sri Lanka and throughout the world.