However the government will be extremely cautious in signing agreements with different nations in the sectors of development, economy and defence, he added.

The President also revealed that late Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Nayake Thero had made Supreme Sacrifice for the sovereignty of the country and sets an example for the people in Sri Lanka.

The commemoration ceremony of Venerable Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Thero was held at the Sri Sumangala Raja Maha Vihara in Wariyapola on Monday.

Two hundred (200) years ago, in the year 1815 on March 02, the British took over the rule of this country following an agreement signed in Kandy. Venerable Sri Sumangala Thero is known for taking down the union jack and re-hoisting the Sinhalese national flag before the convention that handed over control of the country to the British in 1815.

The struggle for independence commenced subsequently and came to an end on February 4, 1948 – Sri Lanka gaining full independence from the British.