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Independence Day messages

Most Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakkhitha Mahanayake Thera of the Asgiriya Maha Vihara Chapter

It is with great pleasure that I issue a message on this occasion of completion of fifty four years since Sri Lanka received independence having been freed from the British colonial rule for hundreds of years.

Sri Lankans commemorate the independence with gratitude and remembering with great respect national heroes who pioneered the freedom campaign.

National heroes who acted by sacrificing their lives for the sake of the nation and the country, once with a fighting effort by raising hands to fight and once more with a peace effort by extending the hand of peace deserve the respect and homage from all Sri Lankans. I think those great patriotic personalities, the laity and the clergy who took a prominent part in that cause are living today too.

Lord Buddha who appreciated the freedom not only of the man but also of all living creatures has pointed out that in this regard the individual should be one who possesses the freedom of thought and of reasoning. In point of fact the freedom becomes meaningful only on the freedom of thought and of reasoning.

For this, both the rulers and the ruled should look back at the past history of fifty four years and resolve to build a peace-loving independent country, rectifying the wrongs occurred, if any in the path of our journey.

On this momentous occasion of independence celebrations, we wish with compassion the dawn of a true independence in the true sense of the word, for all of us, Sri Lankans

Most Ven. Weweldeniye Medhalankara Maha Thera of the Sri Lanka Ramangna Maha Nikaya

Independence of a Nation will become meaningful only if the economic development, too, has been accomplished along with the peace and the reconciliation in the country.

The incidents that have taken place over the past fifty four years clearly show that our country is lagging behind in those aspects. If the independence has not become meaningful even though a half century has elapsed, then there should be some wrong in this. It may not be advisable to spend time in finding out what has done it.

Now the Nation is confronted with a host of burning issues. The war, and economic depression amongst them assume immense importance. We strongly believe that there is the required strength and the great wisdom amongst our people to meet all these issues. What is required is the suitable leadership for proper guidance.

If it is possible for all to get together in the interest of the country forgetting the hostilities our country will, undoubtedly, be a 'Dhammadeepa' (an island of virtue), and a granary again in the near future. Without doing so, being selfish and in expectation of personal gains, if discordant and divisive views are put forward, not only will the independence never become meaningful but also will become a huge curse for the Nation.

May the wisdom and the strength be with all who have felt the value of peace, to work in the interest of the Nation in this year or so.!

Most Venerable Agga Maha Panditha Madihe Pagnaaseeha Mahanayaka Thera of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha

It is with the greatest pleasure that I send this message extending felicitation on the occasion of the 54th Independence celebrations of Sri Lanka.

All living beings in this world value the freedom. There is nobody in this world who does not love the freedom. Our Lord Buddha, the Enlightened One, is the Greatest Teacher who expounded the pathway through which this freedom is gained nobly. This is categorized as mundane freedom and supermundane freedom in the Buddhist pathway of emancipation.

Sri Lanka remained as an Independent State from ancient times. The citizen was blessed with a high level of freedom not only in thinking but also in economic and social aspects. Although from time to time there had been changes in them, the effort taken by our monarchs or royalties with utmost care to protect the independence of the country cannot be treated as small or of little significance.

Three foreign invasions which took place at a later stage brought about a transformation not only in the independence of the country but also in the religious, national and cultural identity.

Even though political freedom was attained having been released from the yoke of the foreign domination there was no change in this situation. We still remain slavishly obedient to foreign domination in the areas of education, culture and language. At present Sri Lanka is confronted with a serious problem. It is the problem of territorial integrity and the independence of the country. We have never faced such a severe crisis as this after having achieved independence.

All Sri Lankans, should therefore, join hands to build the country by enlightening all communities, making them to be reconciled and alleviating the poverty with the radiating rays of the independent sun within an undivided, unitary state.

For this purpose, the President and the Government of Sri Lanka, comprising the Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe are kindly advised to unite soon, shedding all political differences to make, in harmony, the freedom meaningfully fruitful.

Ramakrishna Mission (Ceylon Branch) Swami Atmaghanananda

On this happy occasion of the 54th Independence Day of Sri Lanka, we are glad to extend our warm greetings and best wishes to one and all.

At this historic moment it is essential and also profitable to ponder over the basic truths or laws of life, which form the guiding force to humanity for a peaceful existence. The most important of these truths is the inter-relatedness and inter-dependence of human existence.

No one can live all by himself without receiving anything from others, and to receive, one should give first. It is the law of give and take.

Today when the heart of each and every individual living in this country is pinning for peace to descend on this island, it goes without saying that such a peaceful society can be born only on the basis of mutual sharing of love and friendliness. Peace is not outside of man, it is his very being itself and hence cannot be guaranteed by any external agency or by enactment of laws. People themselves have to work towards manifesting it in life.

The first step towards such a move is to open one's heart to the miseries of people and feel compassionate towards them. And out of this compassion will be born a natural inclination and a readiness to sacrifice personal prejudices, likes and dislikes etc., in order to come closer to each other and live in harmony.

But it should be admitted that it is an up-hill task, demanding immense patience, perseverance and mutual understanding on the part of every individual. Yet nothing is impossible on earth.

May the Almighty Lord bless us with unity in thought and deed for creating a better society based on mutual love and trust.

Rt. Rev. Duleep de Chickera, Bishop of Colombo

National days are occasions for both thanksgiving as well as reflective planning. We need to be thankful for the many ways in which our country has been blessed. The majority of our people now enjoy living standards higher than at the time of independence from foreign rule. We have achieved international fame in sports, particularly cricket and athletics.

We have produced able scholars and professionals who match the best in the world. Our abundant natural resources, the varied gifts and skills of our people, the availability of basic schooling and health facilities in all parts of the island are also good reasons for gratitude.

But we must admit that corresponding with the passage of time, our people have been denied the ability to realise our real potential. We have frittered away too many opportunities of integrated development and harmony.

Consequently the years ahead must ensure a deliberate determination to create a more just and equal society. For too many of our people remain trapped in powerlessness and poverty.

They are as described by Arundathi Roy (2001) "there are plenty of warriors who go to war (against poverty) each day, knowing in advance that they will fail." These are the rural and the urban poor such as the landless peasants, road sweepers, daily exploited labourers, the able unemployed and so on. Jesus preached, worked for, and anticipated a just community of equals.

We are called upon to do the same. The basics in life must be made available to all. Uncongested shelter, clean running water, electricity, toilets and wholesome food on the table are basic rights that cannot be denied the many any longer. Far too much of our debates and disputes involve the powerful negotiating for more power. The needs of the powerless must be highlighted. Just economic policies for the voiceless must be formulated and implemented forthwith.

The available educational facilities must be rationalised and transformed into opportunities. The development of agro industry such as the manufacture of hand tractors, water pumps etc. must be undertaken. A percentage of our national budget must be set aside for these priorities. Such an investment will bring dual benefits to both small industry and agriculture.

We must also be vigilant that unbridled liberalisation of the economy can and does lead to social hardship for many and class polarisation. Some countries have learnt this hard lesson too late.

We are aware that the powerful countries of the world adopt policies that protect their own producers. In the face of such protectionism it will be tragic for the economically weaker countries to arbitrarily accept free trade and free market economy without checks, balances and corresponding protection and welfare. Economic growth in poor countries cannot continue to be obsessed merely with the increase of capital. It must also ensure holistic social integration. If not the elastic nature of social harmony, now stretched to its maximum, could snap.

A new impetus has been given to a negotiated settlement of our protracted ethnic conflict. This long and senseless war must end and our people must stop killing each other. Strained and hostile ethnic relationships must be healed and our people must learn the art of building cross-cultural trust. Jesus urged that social fragmentation must be relentlessly addressed till enemies become brothers and sisters. This is our vision under the one Creator Parent God.

The present goodwill must pave the way for the substantial issues to be addressed. Long sparring bouts undermine momentum and tend to become counterproductive.

Bilateral talks, may run concurrent with multilateral talks. This way no concerned group is excluded and all are more likely to identify with the process and own the ensuing decisions.

The resuscitated peace process and the focus on substantial issues must not be shot down for the temporary setbacks it is bound to suffer. We should expect these setbacks and persevere despite the voices of pessimism and intransigence.

A teaching of the Bible corroborated by the lessons of history is that Peace is never a fully reached constant destination; rather peace is when people work through emerging obstacles to creatively transform conflict into more just relationships.

As we celebrate our 54th year after Independence let us pledge to work towards an equal, free, united and dignified Sri Lanka; beginning with the needs and the rights of those who have been denied too much for too long. The period of Lent which begins with Ash Wednesday on the 13th of February is an ideal occasion for Christians in particular, to engage in reflection and renewed commitment.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Nicholas Marcus Fernando, Archbishop of Colombo

Sixty days have gone by since we used our ballot power to elect our representatives to Parliament. Since the announcement of the election results, there has been some kind of euphoria based on hopes for a better future. People are waiting with eager expectation.

First among, the expectations is a negotiated peace in the country. Secondly an economic reform that will bring about a better standard of living for all, the poor and the middle class in particular.

Thirdly a new political culture that will turn the tide towards free and fair elections without violence. The party in power has the onus of fulfilling the promises made before the elections which now have become the expectations of the people.

Negotiating for peace will bring in results only if it is a collective effort where every citizen is patient with the different views expressed and tries to understand the other's point of view. The government did the right thing in reciprocating the ceasefire declared by the LTTE. Most important is the unity among all political parties towards a negotiated settlement.

Our country's economic upliftment may demand much sacrifice initially from all segments of people. Government planning however, will have to take into account the time factor and find ways and means of cushioning the weak segments of society in the interim period.

Finally before the next elections come accompanied by violence, vote rigging and corruption, let the guardians of the people, put in place all those commissions in an effective manner so that the new political culture can begin without delay.

Let this Independence commemoration of the year 2002 be a turning point in the history of our country to make us all think as Sri Lankans, sharing the fruits of a true democracy where liberty, equality and fraternity become a reality.

Moulavi M. J. M. Riyal, Secretary General - All Ceylon Jammiyathul Ulama

The 4th of February of every year, is the time for every citizen of this country to consider whether we have achieved the actual objectives of "The Independence" in order to achieve the actual objectives of Independence, it is necessary that Peace should prevail in the country.

It is not a secret, for last two decades, our Motherland has experienced the worst human calamity, destruction and distrust between the communities that live in this paradise. To achieve Peace it is important that patience and tolerance should be adopted by the people.

It is very significant to note that currently the things are going in a right direction to achieve peace and we pray to the Almighty God that all section of community to get together and realize that the value of human life is very important and therefore we must think together and endeavour to achieve the goal, that is peace.

If we achieve peace, then certainly we have achieved the Independence. If one refers the history of Islam, will come across the "Hudabia accord". Our Holy Prophet (PBUH) in order to achieve the eternal peace entered into a treaty that is referred to as "Hudabia accord". We are very certain that if the Principles of "Hudabia accord" are followed, there is no doubt that peace can be achieved in our country as well.

Noble Qur'an emphasises, in Sura 39 - Verse 10 that "only those who are patient shall receive their reward in full without reckoning."

In these circumstances, All Ceylon Jammiyathul Ulama appeal to all citizens of this country to be patient and adopt give and take policy in order to achieve peace.

If we achieve peace, we would have achieved the objectives of Independence. Let us once again pray to Almighty God to make our Nation to achieve peace this year.

Alick Aluwihare, Minister of Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government

Sri Lanka became a free and sovereign state after several years of imperialist rule and the 54th National Day, after independence falls on 4th February.

It is significant that the National Day is celebrated at a time when peace and harmony among the different communities is being enhanced after several years.

The National Day we are now commemorating was first inaugurated on February 4, 1948 under the leadership of the late Prime Minister Rt. Hon D. S. Senanayake. The struggle led by Rt. Hon. D. S. Senanayake for gaining independence became a success due to the unity which had developed among the main communities of the country, Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim and Burgher.

Getting Sri Lanka relieved from clutches of imperialists in 1948 was a landmark depicting the unity long-standing among different communities in our country.

We must look back to that era focussing attention to the reasons for such unity and peace getting away from us and determine, on this important occasion, to re-establish same in our society. It is the only hope of all of us to see that the effort of the United National Front headed by the Prime Minister Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe to bring the country under one flag and to relieve the country of the cruel war going on for several decades.

Let us pray that there will be unity among all communities for making Sri Lanka a prosperous country for the future generation through peace.

'Air of economic freedom'

The Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Ravi Karunanayake in a message to mark the 54th Independence Day says that there is an air of economic freedom in the country.

The spirit in freedom of speech has once again emerged after the formation of the new UNF Government.

The Minister explained "Today freedom in the form of liberalised trade, freedom of speech and in the state administration has been restored within this short period." Mr. Karunanayake appealed to all sections of people to extend their support in taking this country towards economic and social development and to assure a new era of peace and prosperity.

St. John Ambulance deploys strong first aid platoon

by Ananda Kannangara

A 100 strong First Aid platoon will be deployed by the St. John Ambulance Association and Brigade of Sri Lanka ( SJAAB) at key places in the city of Colombo and other parts of the country to provide first aid services to the general public, participating at independence day meetings and celebrations held countrywide today.

Accordingly, the services of around 40 first aid workers will be provided at many places in Colombo and suburbs including at the main venue of the Independence square, Colombo where the Government commemorates the 54th National Independence Day under the patronage of President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

"Necessary instructions to provide a quick health care service to sick and injured, participating at today's meetings held elsewhere in the country have already been given by us to all first aid workers and the District brigade officials", an SJAAB official told the Daily News.

"It is also reported that districtwise independence day meetings and celebrations will also be held at places of religious worship such as temples, churches, kovils and mosques today as well as tomorrow and steps have also been made to deploy more first aid workers with adequate medical supplies." "In addition to providing of medicines through our first aid workers, an ambulance service will also be provided when necessary." he added.

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