Colombo, Feb 4 (IANS): Sri Lanka Wednesday said it was committed to the policy of non-alignment in its foreign relations.

A statement, released by President Maithripala Sirisena's office to mark the 67th anniversary of Sri Lanka's independence, said the country looked forward to greater friendship with the international community, Xinhua reported.

The statement added that Sri Lanka was in favour of ties that supported peace, stability, democracy and prosperity.

Sri Lanka is a member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), a group of states which are not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc.

Sirisena, who won the presidential election in Sri Lanka last month, said the progress of the nation called for patriotism transcending the barriers of geography and community, and also the elimination of corruption in all its forms.

He called for a new commitment for the unity of Sri Lanka and for safeguarding freedom and democratic rights. He also called for moving away from the re-emerging forces of colonialism.

"The strengthening and progress of peace in our country requires social, political and economic policies that give the highest priority to the needs of the people. This includes social welfare, economic progress, and a determined move towards good governance, in keeping with the traditions of tolerance and understanding of our country," the president said.