75 years of Independence: Best wishes for a brighter future
Local and foreign leaders, diplomats and international organisations have all issued messages to mark Sri Lanka’s 75th Independence Day.
Sri Lanka’s 75th Anniversary of Independence from colonial rule is being observed during an extremely critical and challenging time in the country, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said in his Independence Day message.
There is a new economic and social reform agenda for the country with the objectives focusing first on recovery and then on renewed development, Mr. Wickremesinghe said.
“It is imperative for us to unite in its implementation so we can emerge with a high level of economic prosperity. I pledge today to make the extremely difficult though vital decisions to achieve this goal with courage and determination. I anticipate the confidence and support of you, our country's people, in this endeavour,” he stressed.
“Being trapped in narrow chauvinism and communalism is not the way to experience true freedom, and to achieve true freedom, we must unite as citizens with equal rights for all. We must adopt a policy of unity in diversity, and a commitment to safeguarding the needs and self-esteem of all citizens,” Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said in his message.
There is no better opportunity than this anniversary to make a mark on the world map as one country, an undivided Sri Lankan nation, and a community that appreciates each other's differences, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said. He called on Sri Lankans to dedicate this day for a sustainable future and eternal freedom.
In his message, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said as a free nation, Sri Lanka achieved much progress, built a literate youth force and provided excellent health and education services to the people.
“However, during the recent past our country faced several challenges leading to economic setbacks. The Government has taken a series of actions to ensure economic recovery, while increasing agricultural production to attain self-sufficiency and food security. Our ardent desire is to overcome challenges and build an economically sound progressive nation,” he asserted.
US President Joe Biden meanwhile, conveyed his best wishes to President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Sri Lankan people on the 75th Independence Anniversary.
In a letter to President Wickremesinghe, Mr Biden said he looks forward to strengthening and deepening the bilateral friendship even further and, together, continuing to advance the shared values and vision for a peaceful, prosperous and secure future for the people of the two countries.
“We value Sri Lanka’s partnership and the resilience of its people, and we welcome progress the country continues to make to emerge from the current crisis, including its reform efforts to ensure a strong democracy, stable economy, and good governance to address the needs of all its citizens. We reaffirm our continued support and look forward to many more years of people, progress, and partnership together,” US Ambassador Julie Chung said in a message.
Others took to Twitter to send their best wishes to Sri Lanka. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar extended warm congratulations to Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, the Government and Sri Lanka's people on 75 years of Independence. “Guided by our Neighbourhood First policy, India will always remain a dependable partner and a reliable friend,” he added.
Wishing Sri Lanka, a happy Independence Day, the United Nations office in Sri Lanka said: “The UN remains committed to working with the Sri Lankan people to advance peace, human rights, and sustainable development. Together we can realise a shared vision of Sri Lanka where everyone can reach their full potential and enjoy their rights.”
“As Sri Lanka celebrates 75 years of Independence, we wish all Sri Lankans, and the Government a happy Independence Day. We look forward to another year of strong EU-Sri Lanka relations,” the delegation of the European Union in Sri Lanka said in a tweet.