The Sri Lankan president, Maithripala Sirisena on Thursday lauded the government's efforts within the international community, telling parliament that it was able to bring the international community together on Sri Lanka.

"Sri Lanka had in the past caused a split in the international community over the human rights issue. But after the January 08 democratic revolution, the new Government was able to build good relations with all countries and the UN and ensure the international community took one stand on Sri Lanka," he was quoted by the Colombo Page as saying.

"Even the UN Human Rights Council was split on the Sri Lanka issue but that situation had now changed," he added.

Pointing to improved relations with Britain and Canada, which he said were "two countries which in the past had a negative impression on Sri Lanka", Mr Sirisena said the British prime minister had "assured that he would intervene to end our issues in the fisheries sector and the GSP+. He also stated that he would give us the required assistance through the six billion fund, which has been established in this regard."

Stating that he was keen for reconciliation, Mr Sirisena added:

"We will fulfill our duties and responsibilities with honesty towards all the citizens of the country as well as for the future generation to build a prosperous country with a strong economy, while strengthening national reconciliation in the country and ensuring a non-recurrence of the past events that led to the conflict."

"I like to note that I would be committed to perform my duties to alleviate the mistrust and suspicion and to create friendship among communities in the North and the South. I also will understand what is in their hearts and make every effort to move forward with them emphasizing the importance to work together with them with brotherhood, understanding the national and cultural sentiments with regard to religions and languages."

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