Most. Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Mahanayaka Thero of Syamopali Maha Nikaya - Malwathu Chapter

After Sri Lanka came under the rule of British empire by the agreement signed on 2 March 1815, they did not bestow independence upon us, but through riots occurred in 1818 and 1848 and subsequent political activities we have gain national, religious, social, cultural, political and economical independence.

People who lived under imperial power with many sufferings were well aware of the value of independence. Main objective of this independence celebrations should be to educate the childhood and young generation on national dignity and the service rendered by our national heroes.

Independence becomes a reality not only by external independence, which includes political, economical and social factors, but

We can show our dignity to the world by building up a prosperous Sri Lanka by understanding issues of the country and by not splitting based on race and religion

with spiritual independence. Sinhalese Buddhists endowed that noble spiritual independence through Buddhism.

However, after the British period there was a decline in Buddhism, morality, lifestyle, education, economy, governance and culture resulting hatred and estrangement, which brought the country to a conflict. We can show our dignity to the world by building up a prosperous Sri Lanka by understanding issues of the country and by not splitting based on race and religion.

To enjoy the independence gained, we must understand expectations of the independence, compile future development plans and implement them properly. What should be expected is to drive the country forward as a free nation with reducing sufferings and developing pleasure of the public. Any development project will not be successful unless harmony among races and religions are affirmed to protect the humanity. All citizens of the country should determine to gain real achievements of independence in this 65 independent Celebrations day. May triple gem bless you.