Sri Lankan president calls for national unity

Sri Lanka's police officers march during the country's 67th Independence Day celebrations in Colombo February 4, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

Meanwhile, in a special peace statement read during the anniversary celebrations, the Sri Lankan government said while peace is now upon the island, the government will ensure and pledge to never allow this land to be traumatized by the shedding of blood.

"We pledge to protect freedom and democracy, promote entity and cooperation between the communities in this country and at all time strive to walk for peace. We pledge our collective commitment that never again will we allow for this land to be traumatized by the shedding of blood," the statement said.

The government also paid its respects to the victims and soldiers of the war and all the victims of violence since the country's independence.

"We want to advance national reconciliation in justice and equality for all citizens. We shall do this in a spirit of tolerance and compromise and uphold the unity and territorial integrity of the nation for the progress and development of our society," the government said.

Sri Lanka celebrated its 67th Independence Day on Wednesday.