President Maithripala Sirisena says that the sports ground is the center for reconciliation as it has no distinction of  race, religion, language, caste or colour.

He made these remarks addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Sports Stars 2016 , held at the Mahaweli Sports Grounds Embilipitiya. This ceremony is being held with the participation of coaches and sports officials covering the all nine provinces of the country.

Addressing the gathering the President further said that the Government fulfilled its duties with a full commitment during the one and half years to implement the reconciliation without limiting it to the words.

The President said that the field of sports could contribute immensely in the process of taking the country forward while building the peace, harmony, brotherhood and trust among the people of the country.

He further said that all the urban and rural sports grounds of the nine provinces will be developed and will use as the centers to build reconciliation among the public.

The President emphasized that the Government will take steps to provide maximum benefits and services for the coaches and sports officials and all sectors of the sports field will be developed in a way which our sportsmen and women can achieve local as well as international victories through their talents.