“Let us unite for national revival”
Following is the message from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Sri Lanka’s 77th Independence Day:
“Today, as we celebrate the 77th National Independence Day, we do so with hopes and aspirations for a new kind of freedom.
Reflecting on Sri Lanka’s history, we have now embarked on a new path, with a government built through the collective efforts of the people from the North, East, West, and South. At this moment, we stand together to take on the challenge of rebuilding a thriving nation – a beautiful life; something that was lost and eluded us over the past century.
“For the sake of our future generations, we must elevate our nation to new heights. This was the very expectation of all the heroes in our history who struggled to achieve it with their blood and tears. Therefore, both individually and collectively, we must build a modern, developed Sri Lankan nation, guided by social, environmental, and ethical principles.
“As the new government, over the past four months, we have laid the foundation for a stable economy, introduced a new political culture, and committed ourselves to a new political ideal. We strive for a society where people regard each other with equality, respect, and empathy — free from racism and religious divisions. We focus on governance through public engagement and the rule of law, while prioritising the eradication of rural poverty. Our policies and actions aim to ensure that no citizen, particularly the most vulnerable, is left behind. Steps have also been taken towards digitalising the economy to embrace advancements in science and technology that we previously missed. “Additionally, we are committed to transforming Sri Lanka’s global image – from a country known for corrupt governance to one that upholds an independent foreign policy and earns trust in international relations.
“Despite countless obstacles and the deep-rooted flaws of the past corrupt political system, the people’s government, built by the collective will of the citizens, is steadily progressing forward. As promised, we have successfully ushered Sri Lanka into an era of national revival. Now, the task ahead is to systematically build upon this foundation and realise a centuries-old dream with unwavering confidence and creativity.
“On this 77th National Independence Day, I invite all Sri Lankans to stand strong and united, to take part in shaping a modern vision of freedom, and to contribute to the collective beginning of this new era of revival.”
“True freedom comes from an inclusive society”
Following is the message from Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Sri Lanka’s 77th Independence Day:
“Independence is not just about sovereignty; it is about dignity, justice, and the right to a life free from oppression. Today, as we reflect on our journey, we recognise that true freedom comes from an inclusive and equitable society where every community, regardless of ethnicity, religion, caste, gender or class, has an equal stake in shaping this nation and feels valued and respected.
“A thriving nation, a beautiful life is not just a vision; it is a call to action. It is a commitment to a Sri Lanka where democracy is deepened, where economic justice is prioritised, and where the voices of the marginalised are not just heard, but centered in decision-making. It is a promise to build a country where every individual feels a sense of belonging and worth.
“On this historic day, let us go beyond symbolism and dedicate ourselves to meaningful change; towards a Sri Lanka that truly belongs to all.”
“A Day for reflection and action”
Following is the message from Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa on Sri Lanka’s 77th Independence Day:
“As we mark the 77th Independence Day, it is crucial to reflect on the journey our nation has taken since gaining independence. At the time of independence, we stood as a nation free from poverty, disease, and ignorance, striving to establish ourselves as a truly independent country. Numerous post-independence initiatives were undertaken to achieve this vision.
“Free education transformed our school and university systems, raising the literacy rate from 35 percent in 1948 to 95 percent today. Similarly, life expectancy, which was 45 years in 1948, has now surpassed 75 years – an outstanding achievement in the health sector. Agricultural development programmes, including the establishment of farming colonies and the accelerated Mahaweli project, have significantly increased rice yields from 350 kilos per hectare to 3,500 kilos per hectare. Furthermore, granting land rights to the landless and the establishment of hydroelectric power stations have revolutionised the energy sector, paving the way for modernisation. These advancements expanded both domestic and international job markets, and by 1994, Sri Lanka held the top position in the Human Development Index in South Asia.
“By the mid-1990s, Sri Lanka was on par with nations such as South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand. However, it is imperative to critically examine the political ideologies that disrupted this progress. Short-sighted political ambitions and misleading narratives have overshadowed these achievements, leading to the serious challenges we face today. Understanding these challenges is key to upholding the true spirit of independence.
“At this moment in history, our responsibility is to strengthen the democracy we inherited by seeking new solutions to persistent issues, rather than recycling outdated approaches. On this Independence Day, let us commit to accurately understanding our present, rejecting divisive communal and religious ideologies, and uniting as one nation to forge a stronger, more democratic future.”
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