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Independence Day messages

Don't recruit children, President appeals to LTTE

President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga in her message to mark Sri Lanka's 55th Independence Day, appealed to the LTTE not to recruit children for the armed conflict.

"Children are the most precious treasure of any community, any country, indeed of the world," she said.

The full text of the President's message:

"It is with great pleasure that I extend my warm greetings to all Sri Lankans both here and overseas on this our 55th National Day. My fervent wish for you today is peace, joy and prosperity.

The National Day provides an occasion to pay respectful homage to those who worked and sacrificed much to gain Independence from our colonial rulers and to reflect on our achievements and failures since 1948. It is a time to assess how much of the dreams of our freedom fighters have been realised after these 55 years.

I recall saying in my address on the 50th anniversary of Independence, 'We have failed in the essential task of nation-building. We have meandered and faltered along the path, whilst our neighbours in Asia and many other countries have forged strong and united nations in which peoples of various communities, of race, religion and language, live in harmony'.

We Sri Lankans, who lay claim to a noble heritage of over 2,500 years, have failed to build on our strengths and evolve into a modern, independent and pluralistic nation.

The failure to address this issue during the past years has metamorphosed existing conflicts into a violent armed conflict.

We have been subjected to many foreign invasions and conquests, but the armed conflict we have faced for the past two decades is the most brutal and destructive this generation has experienced.

It is now time for us all to put the war behind us and look to a future where we would recognise and respect the rights and aspirations of every individual and of all our communities. The Governments of Sri Lanka have tried for many years to reach a negotiated settlement to end the armed conflict. The current peace effort is the sixth one, since the armed conflict began.

If we are to achieve success this time, it is essential that the root causes of terrorism are addressed and solutions found.

These solutions must have the acceptance of all our peoples and the rights of all Sri Lankans must be protected. The solution must be sought within a democratic framework, enshrining the indivisibility of the State and the sovereignty of the people. We need a strong guarantee from all sections engaged in the peace talks that they will discuss the core issues without delay. Although the Government has fulfilled its promises related to the peace process, the other party has not cooperated fully on this issue.

Despite the ongoing peace negotiations between the Government and the LTTE, there are disturbing reports of continuing recruitment of children by the LTTE and other human rights violations. I wish to make a special appeal to the LTTE: please do not recruit children for armed conflict. Children are the most precious treasure of any community, any country; indeed of the world.

The heritage and culture of a community of people can be carried forward only if their children lead a normal childhood, in freedom. Every opportunity must be theirs, for blossoming forth unhindered, with all their fundamental rights guaranteed and with adequate education. Then they will grow up to be responsible adults, capable of leading fruitful lives.

Fifty five years ago, when we shed our colonial shackles and took over responsibility for our future as a nation, those who struggled gallantly for this freedom had visions of a peaceful country, with a prosperous economy and a happy and enlightened people. We must achieve that dream. Let us today rekindle that vision for Sri Lanka."

Resolve to make peace efforts a success: PM

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in his message to mark Sri Lanka's 55th Independence Day, called on all to resolve on this day to make the peace efforts a success.

The Premier's message said: "Our first Prime Minister D. S. Senanayake was successful, 55 years ago, to make Sri Lanka a free and independent country by establishing unity among all communities and relieving the foreign domination to which our country was subjected to. However, the leaders who ruled the country then and now had to exert a great deal of effort to make the independence so gained meaningful.

Disunity and differences, which developed from time to time, affected the freedom of the country and the people to the extent of an ethnic conflict in the North-East for a period of about two decades. Violence was also prevalent in other parts of the country.

At this stage when a peaceful environment is being formed where all can live freely as one nation, ending the adverse effects of war and violence and opening the doors of peace, we have to usher in an era devoid of racial, caste, religious and other differences if we are to enjoy the benefits of the independence we gained.

Let us resolve on this noble day to make the peace effort a success, which has been launched with the pure intention of restoring peace and unity in the country and ushering in economic, social and cultural development. Let us build up mutual understanding, unity and brotherhood among us.

I have great pleasure in offering my warmest greetings and best wishes to Sri Lankans living here and abroad."

'All sections of people should make effort to usher in real peace'

Aggamaha Panditha Most Venerable Madihe Pagnnaseeha Uttaritara Mahanayake Thera of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha

It is with much pleasure that this congratulatory message is sent on the occasion of the 55th Independence jubilee of Sri Lanka.

Issuing of messages from the religious and national leaders in this manner is a common occurrence on Independence Day. But these would certainly be made meaningful by looking into the harmful elements affecting the country, nation, religion and language and providing measures to overcome them.

In what respect have we gained any advancement from this independence which is said to have been gained devoid of bloodshed and jubilantly praised by us? How far can we celebrate with joy the progress we have made upto now on the economic, educational, health and moral sectors within a national policy framework? How fortunate if at least, the progress made on one of these four sectors could have been celebrated? It will be clear to anyone making a careful examination whether all these matters show in independent Sri Lanka a subservient existence.

We have to now suffer the adverse consequences of keeping the national mind tied down to the foreign thinking, laying claim to a heritage of a long national history.

It will be a national duty cast on us to make an effort to enlighten our future generation on these facts in order to at least correct their vision.

I wish to remind, in the name of peace, that all sections of the people including the Government should make an effort to usher in real peace common to all communities through a fair and reasonable unitary state without allowing the unity of the independent and free Sri Lanka Government which has been preserved hitherto over the ages to be covered with the curtain of fake peace.

Peace is the national cry today

Mahinda Rajapakse, Leader of the Opposition

Even on completion of 55 years since gaining independence from the imperialist colonial rule, our economic, social, cultural and political progress remain minimal.Day by day we are deteriorating specially with regard to politics, states Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapakse in his Message commemorating the National Independence Day falling on February 04.

Quite gratefully we must remember that the Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim national leaders won our independence from the British Imperialists in 1948, though it was a nominal independence. Independence became complete through the adoption of the Republican Constitution of 1972. In comparison with other countries we cannot be satisfied with our progress at all. Today in the North and the East the spectrum of political independence has shrunk. It is a deplorable situation, states the message.

All of us are equally responsible for the degeneration of our economy, culture, society and politics. Yet, we are not too late to mend our way. National Policies should not change with the change of individuals. A steadfast Code of National Policies has to be evolved. Citizens must be free to move about anywhere in the country without fear or doubt.Peace is the national cry today. At this crucial moment of our hope for a lasting peace let us unite to commemorate the Independence Day by ignoring racial differences and array ourselves to build up an environment where all ethnic groups can co-exist in peace.Then only will the Independence become meaningful, concludes the Opposition Leader's Independence Day Message.

'Way forward through critical anti-violence dialogue'

Rt. Revd. Duleep de Chickera, Bishop of Colombo

The regaining of the legitimate right of a people to govern themselves must be an occasion for celebration. This therefore is an occasion to give thanks to the God of History and Liberation for the endeavours of all those who secured our Independence and to thank the God of Creation for our diverse cultures.

It is not by accident that our destinies have merged on this beautiful and resourceful island. Our common pilgrimage of manifesting our Sri Lankan depends on our ability to be and offer the best that our respective cultures require of us and to celebrate the presence and dignity and rights of the other. May God, full of patience and mercy, so help us on this pilgrimage.

Independence, as we have painfully learnt is not freedom. It is the beginning of a quest for an ever-changing understanding of freedom. The early struggles for political autonomy soon led to the continuing struggle for economic freedom. Freedom today includes human rights, minority rights, refugee rights and workers rights; political and cultural pluralism; safeguards for women and children from abuse and suspects and prisoners from torture; basic human facilities and living conditions for the poor; dignity and legitimate space for the differently abled; care and support with dignity for senior citizens and so on.

The way forward is as many agree, through critical anti-violence dialogue. But since all our cultures and groups have life-affirming and life-denying forces, this dialogue must be undertaken, as Jesus did and taught, across our cultures as well as within our respective cultures. The former alone is inadequate. Life-denying forces within a culture must be addressed by the life-affirming forces within the same. It is only when such a dialogue is taking place within a culture, it qualifies to dialogue with other cultures, stands the best chance of being heard and contributes towards our common pilgrimage for freedom.

The dialogue between the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE requires our cautious, critical co-operation. I urge them to engage more and more in critical, anti-violence cross cultural and intra cultural dialogue. I urge them and all our other leaders and cultures and groups to believe in the resilience and spirituality of our cultures and to strive for the fullest freedom our yet weary and still trusting people deserve and long for.

May God bless and make Sri Lanka the home of a humble, integrated, resourceful, just, content, caring, courageous, and hospitable people. "For this, our hope is in the ways of God and the diligent co-operation of people."

'Speak and act towards achieving permanent peace'

Al Haj. M. Cassim Fuad, President, Colombo Grand Mosque Inc.

On this day when we are celebrating the 55th anniversary of our nation's Independence, let us make a firm resolve to speak and act in every way to achieve permanent peace in Sri Lanka. It's time to shed our petty political differences for the sake of peace. We should strengthen the hands of our Prime Minister who has led us into an era of peace and strives so hard to find a permanent solution to the ethnic problem that has ravaged our motherland for almost two decades.

Our nation cannot enjoy the fruits of independence until we have found a permanent solution to the ethnic problem and learn to live as one nation. Sri Lanka is blessed in many ways. An important blessing is that all major religions are practised in our country and all of them advocate peace. We Muslims always greet everyone at anytime of the day or night with a unique greeting - "Assalamu Alaikum" which literarily means "May peace be upon you". Let us make this a reality. May Allah Almighty bless our motherland with permanent peace and make all her citizens happy, contended and prosperous.

'No more divide between North and South'

Minister of Lands, Dr. Rajitha Senaratne

Today, we are in the midst of experiencing peace having spent all our lives in the past through turmoil and an inept war, when one ethnic community was trying to assert itself over the other.

We, in the past, stood together in achieving independence. And having gained independence, we have fought each other but gained nothing or saved anything for us.

Now, we are holding each other's hands in trying to understand the meaning of independence, standing amidst the rubble of our past.

Aspirations for peace and a leadership of intellect, encourages us more.

There is no more the divide between the North and the South.

Today, instead of the deafening sounds of the savage weaponry of a ethnic war, we hear around, us, the bursts of the guard of honour, saluting independence.

The time is ripe now, to leave aside the shattered past and work diligently towards a future that would hold peace and stability without differences and with respect, for all.

'Let us ensure that independence is meaningful to all sections of people'

John A. E. Amaratunga, Minister of Interior and Christian Affairs

The commemoration of the 55th year of Sri Lanka gaining Independence no doubt will instill a sense of pride in all Sri Lankans. It also affords an opportunity to reflect on what we have achieved and what we have missed achieving after gaining independence from foreign rule over half a century ago.

Sri Lanka no doubt can proudly claim that it is one of the first few countries which gained independence from colonial rulers, that moved on a fast track to provide a democratic framework for the country and its people. Though facing many vicissitudes and obstacles it has maintained the democratic rights and practices all along.

It was a united effort by all communities be it Sinhala, Tamil, Muslims or Burghers as reflected in the first Cabinet of Rt. Hon. D. S. Senanayake that helped Sri Lanka usher in racial and religious harmony and economic progress during the immediate post-independence period. Whatever interpretations some may give on the independence gained there is no denying the fact that self-rule helped in the development of indigenous languages, religions, cultures, traditions and practices.

However the seeds of disharmony and distrust sown by certain groups saw the country not being able to reap the full benefits of independence. Sectarian tendencies as well as selfish motives, mistrust and divisions have denied the country the unity and harmony so essential for gaining full economic independence.

The North East conflict with raged for over three decades was the major cause for the country not being able to proceed towards the desired goals economically, socially and spiritually. A golden opportunity is now before the country on this 55th Independence Anniversary when after the signing of the ceasefire accord the people are enjoying a relatively peaceful atmosphere devoid of fear or anxiety, which is so essential for economic development and lessening the burdens of living.

While the people enjoy freedoms to engage in whatever forms of activity legally permissible yet, violence and crime indulged in by a small section of anti-social elements have fouled the air. The erosion of social and human values have also contributed. It is only through public co-operation and commitment of law enforcement officers imbued by a sense of patriotism, national feelings and tolerance that we can fight all evils and obstacles that inhibit our progress.

Let us on this Independence Day commit ourselves to consolidate on the peace initiatives now in place and ensure that the Independence the country gained is meaningful to all sections of the people inhabiting our motherland.

'May a prosperous era dawn to all Sri Lankans'

Most Venerable Udugama Sri Buddharakkhita Thera, Maha Nayaka of the Asgiri Chapter of the Maha Vihara Vanshika Shyamopali Maha Nikaya

I am pleased that I have got an opportunity to issue a message to mark the 55th Independence Day of Sri Lanka. With the Independence all Sri Lankans were given the opportunity to make their own system of Government according to their own wish and through it to enjoy the right to choose their own rulers. However, it is difficult to think that economic and cultural progress has been made in the past.

It might have been due to the fact that the country had to face civil strifes and internal unrest over a prolonged period.

At this juncture when the civil strife that wreaked dire consequences to the economy and to the life of the community has ceased and the harmony is developing, let us all resolve to rally round together, shedding all differences to achieve advancement in the economy, culture and in the life of the community.

May a prosperous era dawn for all Sri Lankans.

Wishing the blessing of the Triple Gem.

'Action with sole objective of country before all sorely needed'

Most Venerable Weweldeniya Medhalankara Mahanayake

Today which marks the 55th anniversary of Independence will, no doubt, be a day of special significance to the country. This is largely because this day can be celebrated without the fear of war and free from fear and apprehension, that prevailed on the past Independence Days. All those who were committed to this deserve its credit and plaudits.

By now all of us have got some sort of solace in the country. This will be made eternal by all being genuinely committed to the cause of peace. If someone in order to retain his or her power acts with a narrow objective in mind saying that some other person has been able to perform something which 'We' have failed to achieve and that it will be a grave harm to 'us' then that will severely bring about harm to the cause of 'peace'.

At this juncture, action with a noble objective of 'country before all' is sorely needed. In this regard the patience and the farsighted wisdom is essential for all.

Sometimes, this will be the last step taken, in the path towards 'true peace'. At this decisive moment, it is very essential for all of us to act together in unison shedding all differences to rescue the country from the abyss into which it has fallen.

If an unitary state and an environment where every one can live in as one, come into being this year, it will itself make the Independence meaningful. Otherwise, our country will be swiftly drawn towards worse state of abject poverty and squalor than in the past 55 years.

Its curse will automatically be put on all of us. Let us, therefore, sincerely commit ourselves and act in the interest of the unborn generations. May all those patriotic be blessed with the wisdom for this.

'Happy peace initiative is product of dedicated effort of both leaders at helm'

Most Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis, Archbishop of Colombo

As we celebrate the 55th anniversary of our Independence from colonial rule, we would gladly confess that there is a sense of great hope, among almost all the peoples inhabiting the Island, that a just and lasting solution would be found to the conflict that had battered the nation during the past several decades.

During the past several years our National Day was celebrated with reserve. While there was fear on the part of those who celebrated the event there was a sense of frustration and sadness among another segment of the people who believed that they were not treated as part of the nation. Today, however, a glimmer of hope has dawned in the hearts of the majority on both sides of the divide. They hope that the present situation would soon give way to make every citizen in this country to feel and live with a sense of dignity in liberty, equality and fraternity.

However, it would be puerile to think that a permanent peace would fall from the skies. There is much left for all of us yet to labour. On the part of the leadership of the nation there is so much yet to cover, not only in the agenda of subjects for agreement, but also in the convergence of hearts and minds to realize that peace is the prime factor and could be won only outside the arena of party politics.

We could be happy that the Peace Initiative is the product of the dedicated effort of both the leaders at the helm of the nation today. They have been committed to this initiative irrespective of their party affiliation.

And it is equally fortunate that the majority of their respective party followers have worked together with them in this effort. But there is much ground yet to be covered. At this juncture we could only reiterate what we have often said - there is no success possible unless there is unity among the two major political groupings in the country. And this we hope will be a reality in this new year of Independence.

A further important factor at this crucial moment is the support of all people of goodwill. Without an iota of doubt the greater and the vast majority of our people want peace -peace with dignity. But it is unfortunate that they prefer to remain silent and inactive in the midst of the turbulent noise of a vociferous few. This has been the bane of our nation, in fact of many nations, throughout history. The goodwilled arise late only to lament. We should emphasize that this is the time for the people to awake and make their voice heard, so that the leadership will receive the support they deserve.

As a nation that won its independence devoid of bloodshed, there is little appreciation among many of the freedom we possess. That freedom is taken for granted like with the air we breathe and the water we drink.

These will be belatedly appreciated only when polluted. Thus all people of goodwill, irrespective of ethnicity, caste or creed need to raise their voice for peace and make a positive commitment to work for peace.

They need to persuade the leaders to work in consensus and consistence towards the cause of peace. They need to raise their voice louder than that of the enemies of peace who are either misguided by extremism or motivated by their own hidden agendas.

While peace is the first concern it is also the fervent hope of all our people that the law and order situation in the country be soon restored. The dangerous trend towards crime and lawlessness has not abated. Accusations and counter-accusations of bribery and corruption are still loudly heard. The sufferings of the poor are hardly lightened. While there is much being done, there is need to do so much more. It is our view that these maladies could only be remedied by collaboration and not by confrontation.

Therefore we once again appeal for consensual politics where all those who have the welfare of the country and the people at heart would work in collaboration to eliminate the unhealthy elements that have even through their own respective ranks, sneaked into the arena of governance only to attain their selfish objectives.

Let this celebration of Independence be an opportunity to re-dedicate ourselves to the cause of peace, and to work for the welfare of our people.

As a Catholic community let us make this a day of special prayer for peace. Let us plead with Mary the Mother of Jesus - the Prince of Peace, to bring forth in our land that gift of her Son - peace and goodwill to all.

'Let us pray that permanent peace will prevail'

Moulavi M.J.M. Riyal, National Secretary General, All Ceylon Jammiyathul Ulama (Supreme Council of Muslim Theologians)

All praise to God

Sri Lanka having gained Independence in 1948, on the 4th day of February celebrates this event year after year. The words Independence and Freedom are interconnected. If the citizens of our country do not enjoy Political Freedom, Social Freedom, Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Press, Freedom of Religion, Freedom of assembly and Economic Freedom, then it would be meaningless to engage themselves in celebration of this nature.

Citizens of our motherland could not happily enjoy the Independence gained, until recently. It is common knowledge after signing the Memorandum of Understanding; People of our country are able to travel from one part of the Island to another. It is very important that the current talks that are taking place should successfully conclude in a manner that is acceptable to all communities living in this small island.

Although all citizens of our country enjoy the freedom to practise their respective religions, it is very important that a fair, reasonable and acceptable solution should be found to the ethnic problem that has ruined our beautiful country. Everyone knows that war not only took away lives of the people but also put the economic position of the country in a very bad state. The cost of living is increasing daily due to various reasons and as a result, brothers and sisters of our country are going through severe hardship.

As such, until the people of our country live comfortably, one cannot state that the people of the country have achieved the object of the independence. Therefore let us get together and pray to God that permanent peace will prevail in our country so that people will enjoy the freedom and as a result the celebrations of Independence would be meaningful.

Our Holy Prophet during his lifetime, particularly 23 years of his prophethood, demonstrated how the citizen of the country could enjoy, political, social, economic and religious freedom. An accord entered between our Holy Prophet and others are popularly referred to as "Hudabiah accord" shows how parties could amicably resolve disputes that prevail between them. In this accord, inter-alia, it is clearly explained how the parties could give and take. All religions preach how human could live with mental satisfaction. Languages are there for human to communicate with each other. Religions are in existence for human to spiritually train themselves and live peacefully and not to create problems to fellow citizens.

The land is available for human to live peacefully. Thus, it would be uncivilized for people to entertain differences with fellow human in relation to religions, languages and lands. Hence, it is absolutely necessary for human to learn from their respective religions, how to live in this world as peaceful human beings and not to create difficulties for the fellow human beings.

It is also equally important to learn how to resolve difference of opinions and amicably arrive at solutions which would satisfy the cross sections of people living in our country. If we learn these basic matters, one can safely conclude that before too long citizens of our country would understand the true meaning of Independence.

In conclusion we, the members of Jammiyathul Ulama, with our brothers and sisters pray to Almighty God to usher peace and harmony to our motherland and also to help every citizens of our country to achieve the economic and social independence as early as possible so that all communities living in this country would be able to get together and celebrate the Independence days to come God willing.

'Truth alone triumphs'

Sami Atmaghanananda, Ramakrishna Mission (Ceylon Branch)

On this happy occasion of the 55th Independence Day of the nation, we are happy to extend to the Government and the people our warm greetings and best wishes!

What is life worth without the basic human qualities of love and brotherhood? Can mere material wealth or scholarship or any other material things of the world, however extraordinary or precious, ever replace love and brotherhood? As the ancient Hindu scripture says, "Satyameva Jayate", "Truth alone triumphs". By "Truth" is meant universal love and brotherhood. Falsehood, hatred and other vices must die one day or the other.

They can never rule the world forever. Unfortunately, mankind in general is not able to understand and appreciate this truth, until it passes through bitter experiences of untold man-made suffering.

Today the whole country is expectantly waiting for the dawn of peace and unity, which have been evading people since last two decades. On this occasion of national importance let us pray to the Almighty Lord to inspire the hearts of people with love and trust for each other, irrespective of the religion or community they belong to, thus making life on earth more meaningful and joyful.

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