COLOMBO, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena said in a special New Year statement on Tuesday that he had declared 2019 as a year to fight corruption and an extensive anti-corruption program would be implemented islandwide.
President Sirisena said corruption had become the bane of Sri Lanka's development and he urged all Sri Lankan citizens to unite to achieve the noble goals of the island country.
"We need to understand our responsibilities and duties as well as the challenges before us when dealing with contemporary political and socio-economic problems," the president said.
Sirisena also underlined the need to work towards accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals to alleviate poverty, to create a prosperous economy and to protect the environment.
In his special New Year message, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said 2019 will be a challenge for Sri Lanka but the government was committed to making a better society for its future generations.
"As 2019 dawns with new hopes and goals, it is my utmost pleasure to wish all Sri Lankans a prosperous year ahead. It was a real victory for all of us to ensure sovereignty of the people's rule in the country to begin the New Year," Wickremesinghe said.
Thousands of Sri Lankan's gathered at the Galle Face Green Square in the capital of Colombo on Monday night to usher in the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display. Thousands of families visited places of worship to pray for a peaceful year ahead.
