I invite all Sri Lankans, living in both Sri Lanka and overseas, to join hands with the Government in this endeavor.

path of development formulating national policies, which will focus on national security, stability and law and order in the country, while empowering the people’s economic well-being and livelihood.

As we celebrate this day, it is incumbent upon all Sri Lankans to recognise our bounden duty to respect our national heroes whose leadership and commitment steered the country towards freedom from colonial rule.

We must also pay tribute to the great sacrifices of our valiant war heroes who protected our sovereignty and territorial integrity in the fight against terrorism over thirty years.

While we can be proud of the progress made thus far, much remains to be achieved.

The task of nation-building is one that requires the dedication and commitment of all Sri Lankans, shedding all differences in order to build one strong nation. It is our steadfast belief that the strength of our freedom largely depends on how we are able to give Sri Lanka a global standing as an independent sovereign State.

Through a people centered economic policy, using the strategic importance of Sri Lanka in global geo-politics, we seek to embrace new technologies and harness indigenous skills and knowledge, while protecting the bedrock of cultural and social heritage of our past, to move ahead to victories in the future.

As we commemorate independence, let us dedicate ourselves to make a firm resolve to achieve the vision of prosperity for our country. I invite all Sri Lankans, living in both Sri Lanka and overseas, to join hands with the Government in this endeavor.