President Mahinda Rajapaksa today said that sports have played a unique role in Sri Lanka’s resurgence, following a near three-decade struggle against brutal terrorism.

As a dividend of peace and prosperity, the country has absorbed the values of fitness, fair play, teamwork and the pursuit of excellence in the arena of sports, he said, adding: “these values have carved a successful path for reconciliation and building communal harmony.”

Sports have undoubtedly helped to build bridges and create social integration and amity among different communities, Rajapaksa said, delivering the welcome address at the Sports Breakfast for the Commonwealth Heads of Government and their representatives in Colombo.

The President stated that, in keeping with the Commonwealth values, creating equality and social integration through sports has been the “under lying theme” in the country’s sporting agenda.

“We have created new opportunities for the differently abled. Through sports, we have created a new passion in our people, whose lives are being transformed with a holistic development,” he said.

Sri Lanka is a land brimming with great promise, he said. “We are very touched that you have taken the time to visit us, which enables you to interact and understand who we are, and what our nation represents.

We have a very rich history to protect and we are ready for a great leap forward. Through which we will transform our nation to be a smart nation, with smart people.”

Rajapaksa stated that Sri Lankans have already begun that process. “We have given a reason, created the space and opportunity. For those who carried guns, now to carry the national flag,” he added.