The Opposition leader R.Sampanthan says all Sri Lankans should be united to steer the country towards prosperity. Opening the Christmas Tree at the Galle Face Green for the 6th day yesterday, he said many people in the country are still suffering from poverty and discrimination. Therefore, it is the duty of the social leaders to take measures to enhance the living standard of deprived people. To achieve this goal all should join hands shedding their petty differences. Usually the people in the country celebrate all religious events without any difference. This shows the mutual bond among the various communities and religious groups in Sri Lanka. Therefore all should determine to live as one Sri Lankan family he added.

Earlier this week, State Minister Vijayakala Maheshwaran made a highly controversial statement regarding LTTE leader Prabhakaran, which was extremely criticized.