Sri Lankan Independence Day

The preparations were made and the 72nd Independence Day of Sri Lanka was celebrated on February 4 (“UAE’s Sri Lankan expats celebrate national day in Dubai”, Gulf News, February 7). As a Sri Lankan student of a Dubai-based school, I take pride in being born in Sri Lanka, the land known for its hospitality and history. Having said that, it’s also with gratitude that I mention my life in the UAE. It has been safe and complete within the visions of universal equality. Dubai is currently the world’s most cosmopolitan city, with overseas residents making up threefourth of the population. I have seen many nationalities celebrating their days of significant importance here. Currently in school, I am working with more than 86 nationalities from around the world, sharing stories of their forefathers, whose lives were free from greed and nourished with trust. The lessons they were taught were of simplicity and courage. In many groups, in school, I find a plethora; the values are indepth. The goodness we accumulate from wherever we come from should benefit the whole world. I believe the greatness of a nation depends on what good they can present the world with.

■ FROM MR SANITH SANTHASA PIYADIGAMAGE

Dubai