the most sacred moment for the nation.

Today, the entire nation is confronted with the onerous challenge of ending the war, and to bring about peace. In this, the working class has to play a vanguard role,

surmount this great national tragedy.

Peace is a battle. Peace is never given freely, never acquired. Its conquest is the result of courage and of respect for others. It demands awareness and commitment from everyone. Peace is not the law imposed by the mighty, but that which is founded on equality and dignity of all peoples.

In this crucial hour, we must transcend all differences and work for an undivided Sri Lanka as a unified Sri Lankan nation ... We must guarantee the rights of the minorities,

There is no individual on this Earth more determined than I am to end this country's wretched and mindless bloodshed and destruction.