New decade with new govt in power
Sri Lanka marks 72 years of independence on February 4, 2020. During the past few years, the independence that we won on the 4th February 1948 faced unprecedented challenges. What we can learn from that experience is that achieving freedom and preserving it are two different matters entirely. The freedom that we obtained in 1948 in the eyes of the law, came very close to being vitiated after 2015 through bad politics. What the result of the presidential election held last November showed was the determination of our people to safeguard our status as an independent nation.
When we look back upon the 72 years that have passed since we gained independence, we see some cause for satisfaction. Even in the midst of some serious challenges, the system of representative democracy based on universal suffrage has survived in this country. We are ahead of most countries in terms of indices relating to health and literacy. We have a free media and every citizen is assured of his personal safety. During the period 2006 to 2014 this country was also able to achieve a major leap forward in economic terms.
The challenge before us today is to restore to this country the economic progress that was lost due to bad politics.
Today (yesterday) we mark the first Independence Day of a new decade with a new government in power. I can confidently state that due to the patriotic enthusiasm and the desire to build a new country that has galvanized the people and especially the youth, we are now on the cusp of a golden era once again. It is my belief and expectation that people belonging to all ethnic groups and religions living in this country will come together as one, to participate in the task of taking this country forward into an era of prosperity.
On this day, as we celebrate the 72nd anniversary of Independence, I wish to convey my warm greetings to all Sri Lankans in Sri Lanka as well as in various parts of the world. Today, as a nation, we stand proud of the progress made towards safeguarding the freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country whilst strengthening the economic and political rights of all our citizens.
This year marks the commemoration of the first Independence Day under the leadership of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who was elected to office on 16th November 2019 to usher in an era of peace, prosperity and national reconciliation.
Under his leadership, we embark on a new