Today is Sri Lanka's 56th anniversary
Independence celebrated without a cursory
Colonists taught, the nation do serve
But is it the same one they preserved

They led us to our freedom
Bravely we followed their dictum
This day should be of reflection
When commemorating our independence

What does independence mean
The meaning is not as it seem
While the Lion flag took its rightful place
The 21 gun salute honoured our fate

Independence is a day for resolution
Resolving to celebrate with our nation
Duke of Gloucester read the declaration
Absolving us from imperial dependence

While People, Nation and Destiny was one
In the fought struggle ultimately won
Then triumph and hope lurked in the minds
Though difficult years unfolded to find

Is this the country all dreamed of
Our poor and educated knew of
They sacrificed resourceful lives
Which caught the colonists by surprise

Yet its bitter side they knew
Which ignored rationalised the patriots few
When realising what it is to be independent
It gradually made all feel resented

Racial defensiveness and mean spiritedness
Legitimised post independent governments
Eventually the nation could not stand
While political banditry got out of hand

Independence is painful and obvious to many
Nobody likes failure admitted readily
A failure that's what our country is
A debacle which non are pleased

Our political awakening is incremental
It still continues to apace the people
The three branches of government has become
Ingrown tyrannical loathsome to some

If not people united could veto otherwise
Executive, judicature, legislature to rise
United to a common cause it empowers
Then people would break all fetters

They the people called out for freedom
People a fourth branch mentioned seldom
More Democratic out of all politicians
They have a changed view about independence

Extricate ourselves from racial and political vice
Resolve to aim at prosperity our prize
Independence mean nothing until political elite
Sheds government opposition rivalry in respite

- Miran Perera