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Sri Lanka’s president and prime minister pledged a future “devoid of extremism and terrorism” at the closing ceremony of a youth program held at a military camp in Sigiriya last week.
The Sri Lankan government reinstated the Yowun Puraya Program, which is being held with assistance from the Sri Lankan military and police services, after 28 years.
Under the theme “Future Begins”, approximately 5000 youth took part in the program, which was held at the Sri Lankan Air Force Base in Sigiriya from March 30 to April 3.
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Activities at the camp included raising the Sri Lankan flag every morning, alongside “physical fitness programs” on the air force runway. There were also musical shows by the Sri Lankan army.
A total of 1450 army personnel also took part in a military tattoo, which showcased a series of security exercises, as the commander of Sri Lanka's army watched on.
"We no longer need extremism, religious disharmony and terrorism, which were prevalent during our lifetimes,” said Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena. “What we want to leave with you is a united country to go forward with the pride of Sri Lankan identity."
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