RELIGIOUS AND ETHNIC HARMONY ARE VITAL – MR

We Sri Lankans... celebrate this 65th National Independence Day with utmost pride.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his Independence Day message stressed the need for ethnic and religious harmony saying that it was vital for development. President Rajapaksa said in his message:

“We Sri Lankans who have sacrificed immensely to ensure the sovereignty of the nation, celebrate this 65th National Independence Day with utmost pride.

“The nation has embarked a path of development which has made freedom really meaningful.

This is a very difficult and challenging task, the fulfilment of which would bring both justice and prosperity to the nation. The time has now dawned when you and your children need not think with fear and suspicion about the future.

“We have acted with a firm commitment to defeat the local and foreign forces ranged against the country. Even when the leadership is faced with difficult and challenging situations we have a principled commitment not to betray the country. In doing so, we derive immense strength from the enormous cooperation we receive from the people.

“Unity among the communities and religious harmony are vital factors for the development of the country. Divisions among us will strengthen various hostile forces seeking to deny us our freedom. When all communities rise in unity, the forces hostile to the country will be weakened and freedom fur-

This is a very difficult and challenging task, the fulfilment of which would bring both justice and prosperity

ther strengthened. We celebrate the 65th anniversary of Independence with a firm determination and a clear commitment to national unity.

We salute and pay our homage to all patriots who have made the supreme sacrifice to safeguard the freedom and sovereignty of the nation.”