Sri Lanka, which gained Independence on the fourth of February 1948 after three centuries of colonial rule, is now celebrating its seventy-fifth year, which began today, states Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa.
The message: “The road to freedom was paved with blood, tears, and sweat and the heroes who gave their lives in various struggles for freedom should be remembered with great pride and respect at this time. With much respect, I would like to recall that their life spirit is an indelible mark in the great history of this country.
“There is no doubt that the historical ancestors who sacrificed themselves for the freedom of this land will be remembered by all Sri Lankans. When we look back on the freedom struggle, the remarkable lesson that history teaches us is to move forward in harmony.
“However, despite the fact that Sri Lanka has been independent for 75 years, we have failed to make that independence meaningful on national, social, educational, and religious levels.
“Our accomplishments, setbacks, and defeats as a country have provided us with experiences over the last 75 years.
The recent economic recession in Sri Lanka is an extremely sad and serious situation in the country’s history, and it is difficult to find a way out of it apart from a methodically progressive programme.
“Being trapped in narrow chauvinism and communalism is not the way to experience true freedom and in order to achieve true freedom, we must unite as citizens with equal rights for all. We must adopt a policy of unity in diversity, as well as a commitment to safeguarding the needs and self-esteem of all citizens.
“In that sense, aside from liberation from colonialism, the people of this country should strive for many other goals.
I wish the entire country a strong and proud Independence Day, with the noble expectation of devoting every moment to achieving that goal”.
