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Independence Day messages

"Mould the present with correct perspectives and move forward"

Deshabandu Karu Jayasuriya, Chairman, Independence Day Commemoration Committee, Minister of Power and Energy, Deputy Leader of the United National Party.

A period of 56 years is adequate for the development of a mature person with magnificent accomplishments. It is indeed a long period.

As we celebrate the 56th Independence Day in ceremonial grandeur, we should pause for a moment to consider what memorable achievements we have been able to realize as a nation, during this long period of time.

Memories I cherish, having participated in and witnessed the first Independence Day celebrations on 4th February 1948 are many. The speech made by Hon. D.S. Senanayake, the father of our nation, on that day still echoes in my mind. He said:

"If there has been a more important day in our history, it was the day on which Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka".

Yet another fact he stressed that day was national unity. Underlining the importance of national unity he said:

"As we become an independent nation, all of us. Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, Burghers and others who inherit this land, should resolve to unite as brothers and sisters and work with utmost courage for the development of our country and our people".

The overriding goals were national unity forged with brotherly affection, love for the nation and patriotism.

Even after 56 years we are striving to meet these challenges. We strive to achieve national unity and socioeconomic development.

We have today a situation, in which we face the threats of patriotism being overshadowed by parochial separatism and love of the nation by bigotry. Programs of political and socioeconomic development pursued in independent Sri Lanka may have been responsible for this.

Our task today is not to be musing on the past finding fault with what has already happened. We should learn from our mistakes, mould the present with correct perspectives and move forward.

Let us adopt this resolution and librate our minds from the restrains to progress. Only then can we be certain that we have entered the path for the development of a country with splendid accomplishments.

"Help ensure peace and prosperity of nation"

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

On this occasion of completing 56 years of Independence won without shedding a single drop of blood, let us recall the late Prime Minister Rt. Hon. D. S. Senanayake's remark "There remains much more to be done in the name of independence" made on the historic first independence day of February 04, 1948 and resolve to defeat many challenges confronting us to usher in peace, harmony and a strong economy, states an Independence Day message by Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Alick Aluvihare.

"I consider myself fortunate to be privileged to issue this Independence Day message as the Minister in charge of the subject of Independence Day celebrations. Each year on February 04 we commemorate independence both locally and abroad, but the challenges to independence have multiplied over the past 56 years," it stated.

The message continued to say that unless we ignore various racial, religious and political differences and united with resolve we will not succeed to fulfil our national obligation of ushering in peace and harmony, moral uplift and economic prosperity which are the fundamental objectives of Independence.

I wish that the masses will rally round the peace process pioneered by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and resolve to usher in lasting peace and economic progress which are the dreams of all our people in this country, the message added.

"Let us pool our resources to build a sovereign Lanka"

Bishop of Kurunegala Rt. Rev. Kumara Illangasinghe, Church of Ceylon

The opportunity to celebrate the Independence of our country is always a very welcome and a joyful occasion. We take this opportunity to thank God for our nation and for our people. The God of History in the Bible has always acted to ensure the freedom of God's people and has been recorded as the, 'God of Freedom'.

We thank God for the beauty of the diversity of our country. Sri Lanka has enjoyed the gift of all seasons in close proximity, through the year. Racial and linguistic diversity has enriched our society.

Almost all Sri Lankans are convinced today that we can achieve by mutual respect and dialogue, much more than what we intend to achieve by war. As much as we are grateful for the political freedom that we gained in 1948, successive governments have worked, to enhance the degree of freedom with all the constitutional developments over the years. However, the struggle for economic freedom in the country and for our people has not borne much fruit due to many reasons.

Over many decades our people have contributed immensely by way of sacrifice, in order to develop the economy. Repeated promises and actions of those who have wielded power, have not succeeded in delivering the benefits. The voiceless and the powerless continue to make the sacrifices without any hope of relief. Therefore, we appeal to all those who are responsible for governance in the country, to strive hard to end the era of deceiving people and work for a more sustainable economic environment for the deprived and marginalized sections of our people.

It is unfortunate to observe that most of the national resources are being sold out, rather cheaply. The national treasures and the environment are the property of our future generations. It is not right on our part to mortgage the access to the national resources and thereby the future generations. It is time for us to seriously re-think our economic policies independently. The pressure of those who control the wealth of the world, need not violate our freedom of decision making for the sake of our people. As we celebrate Independence let us pool all our resources together, irrespective of our political differences and agendas, to work together to build an economically sovereign Sri Lanka. In this task we appeal to all the major political parties, the President, the Prime Minister and all other leaders, to transcend the desire for power and link together to build a stable country for our future generations.

Genuine Independence demands unity and harmony of all people. It is a great concern for us all Sri Lankans to note the increasing intolerance and the stirring up of religious strife in the recent weeks and months. This has led to violence against a minority religious group, the Christians.

Evidence is very clear, that the majority of the well-meaning people of Sri Lanka have condemned such acts and rejected violence. It is important to recognize that the perpetrators of such violence are not just supporters of other religious traditions working with any beneficial aims, but are opportunists who look for political and social gain in an artificially created crisis.

Independence and the freedom of people belonging to any religious tradition, should not be allowed to be controlled either by thuggery, arson, loot or for that matter even by legislation. In the name of Independence we appeal to those who are responsible for 'Law and Order' in the country to preserve the diversity, harmony and religious tolerance in the country.

We Sri Lankans must have the space, the opportunity and the ability to live in harmony with people of different religions and ideologies, languages and ethnicity, respecting each other and maintaining the highest degree of mutual tolerance.

Let the observances of the political independence of our country be meaningful as we continue to struggle as a nation to emerge out of conflict and strife.

"March together to achieve success"

Minister of Home Affairs, Provincial Councils & Local Government, Earl Gunasekera

When considering the present day developments/events in the country, it is clearly proved that during the past half century since receiving Independence, we have directed and harnessed all our efforts and energy in pushing back our Motherland backward and not forward with a view to achieve progress.

Though we have been conducting annually the Independence day celebrations in a traditional tone, neither the people of this country nor the Government could make a sigh of relief over the progress made.

This is a point that we all have to give a serious thought to.

Under the circumstances we all have to take steps to rekindle and re-awaken the love for the country, unity and patriotic feeling submerged and stay embers due to the petty difference that we keep on polishing every moment and take a determined non-stop march together hand in hand towards a set target to achieve success.

"Accept others in love and understanding"

Swami Atmaghanananda, Ramakrishna Mission

On this 56th Independence Day of the nation, we extend our warm greetings and best wishes to one and all!

It is needless to say that today the world requires to develop essentially and immediately harmony and understanding among the different sections of people. It is more so in our country. It is an established truth of human history that whenever there had been a crisis in these values in any society, that society was thrown into great chaos and strife, leading to total degeneration of the society, economically and culturally.

The greatest problem facing humanity today is to find unity in diversity. How to harmonize a society in the midst of variations in religion, langauge and culture?

Allowing such diversities, is it ever possible for people to co-exist together, without any animosity and hatred, but in friendship? Yes, it is definitely possible, provided people learn to accept and respect the variations in life. Diversity is the essential quality of nature. It is impossible to bring uniformity in nature. It is not necessary also. Variety enhances the beauty of life. Uniformity brings monotony. The intelligent man is one who enjoys life with its variations, having accepted them.

Do not the different members of a family live in harmony and peace, in spite of their differences in tastes and outlook in life? What is the secret behind this unity? It is the spirit of acceptance of each other as members of the same family.

The same philosophy holds good for a nation as well. Unless the people of a nation develop that type of relationship with one another, being citizens of the same nation, no other force or factor in life can bind them together.

On this important occasion, let us rededicate ourselves to uphold the value of accepting others in love and understanding, for a better and meaningful life on earth.

"Tolerance, transparency tools for the people"

Ash-Shaikh H. Abdul Nazar, National General Secretary, All Ceylon Jammiyyathul Ulama

It raises our eyebrows with unalloyed pleasure that this pint-sized island nation, amidst the devastating civil war and other similar grave political and economic crises, celebrates its 56th independence day, today, to mark the priceless freedom it gained from its colonial masters in 1948.

The path through which it has marched for the last five and half decades, from the time it saw itself as an independent state, was not smooth at all.

Youth uprising, natural disasters, communal riots and civil war hindered this pluralistic nation's forward movement, and it is remarkable that it strode a long way forward, encountering them all with confidence and endeavouring to win its lonely battle for peace and harmony.

There is, in fact a lesson to other smaller nations that struggle to overcome their similar crises, to follow suit from the history of this tiny war-torn nation; yet this country, too, has a lot to learn and a lot to attempt to see itself as an earthly heaven.

On what terms the communities in a pluralistic country like Sri Lanka could lead a life with tranquillity is the profound question that the people of such places, where civil wars have left everlasting pock-marks on their faces, ask, and it is the very question the patriotic leaders of this blessed country are to ask themselves.

Tolerance and transparency, probably, are the appropriate tools for the people who are willing to dedicate themselves to salvaging their motherland, to roll over the stumbling-block which obstructs their forward march towards happiness and prosperity.

At this auspicious moment, I cross my fingers that the dawn of promising peace,after formidable years of war, will crack on the horizon of this beautiful Island very soon.

May the blessing of the Almighty be upon the children of this country.

"Shed all differences and unite"

John Amaratunga, Minister of Christian Affairs

Whatever the misapprehensions expressed by certain quarters we cannot underestimate the significant occasion when the country gained independence after being under colonial rule for over a hundred years. As we commemorate the 56th anniversary of our independence it is apt to reflect on the achievements and failures we as a country had to encounter since we became a free and sovereign State.

There is no gainsaying the fact that the country was able to achieve independence under the astute leadership of the father of the Nation Late D. S. Senanayake after a protracted struggle in 1948 due to the united effort of all sections of the people. People of all races, religions and political hues united to achieve this goal. One of the hall marks of our achievement is the political consciousness wedded to democratic principles demonstrated by our people at successive elections to elect governments of their choice.

The high literacy rate that the country was able to achieve due to the free education policy, the agricultural renaissance brought about through the various colonization and irrigation schemes launched by D. S. Senanayake which to date are remembered with gratitude by people of Raja Rata, were the earliest achievements soon after independence. The new found nationalist and cultural resurgence also brought about a reawakening of the linguistic and cultural freedoms.

However a false sense of nationalist fervour crept into the body politic with various dogmas entering the political firmament resulting in bitter political rivalries creating divisions among people along social and communal lines. Misplaced national priorities coupled with flaming of communal passions led to a certain degree of violence and dissension that had a devastating effect on the country's economy and the lives of the people.

History is also replete with instances when the country had been able to overcome the evil effects of these destructive forces. 1977 marked an essential departure when the country ventured into an open economic system after several decades of a closed economy which opened out new avenues and opportunities to the people opening out the country to a new technological era. However fanning of communal flames resulted in the country not being able to reap the real benefits of the new found avenues and the desired goals.

The country found a new revival of hopes for peace and prosperity with the election of the United National Front Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in 2001.

During two years of peace so far, the UNF Government had been able to develop the country's parlous economy from a negative growth rate to over plus five per cent as well as create atmosphere of living free of anxiety and fear.

On this Independence Day let us all resolve to unite shedding all differences to forge a lasting peace to the country and thwart the disruptive forces who are out to disrupt the gains the country has made during the past two years.

"Usher peace and harmony among all"

Muhammed Ruzaik Farook, President, Sri Lanka Islamic Society.

On this day the Muslims of Sri Lanka join the whole nation is saluting our national heroes. I appeal to all Sri Lankans forgetting the past all the differences of caste, race, religion, creed, langauge and other differences to work for the welfare of our people.

As a Muslim community let us pray Almighty Allah on this day to restore much needed peace and understanding among our Sri Lankan brothers and sisters and usher peace and harmony among all communities.

"Act unitedly to usher in peace and prosperity"

Most Venerable Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Mahanayaka Thera of Maha Vihara Vanshika Shyamopali Maha Nikaya

We gained our independence on the 4th February 1948 after being under the foreign domination for a period of more than a century.

At this moment of celebrating 56th year of the Independence so gained with an immense sacrifice, I think it is opportune to look back on what achievements we have made from that time up to the present. If we think sincerely when enquiring how far the Independence we gained in the social, economic political and religious sectors has been meaningful, we cannot be satisfied at all with the results we have gained. This situation is mainly attributed to the rarity of devoted and honest patriots and the gradual increase in the communal, religious and political differences obtaining amongst us.

These conditions have obstructed the path of progress of the country and the nation.

Therefore, at this moment of celebrating the independence for the 56th time, we must resolve to set aside the differences existing amongst us, and to act unitedly thinking about the country, and thereby to usher in peace and prosperity.

On this occasion of celebrating the independence, we wish for a prosperous Sri Lanka replete with dutiful, patriotic people.

'Achieve economic independence through new cultural revival'

Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapakse in an Independence Day message said: "As a nation we are proudly celebrating our 56th Independence Day today. More than half a century has elapsed since we gained independence. While celebrating this historic event we ought to consider whether we have gained meaningful independence by analysing this period in the economic, social and cultural perspectives.

"When we observe neighbouring countries which gained independence during the same time as Sri Lanka we realise that they have marched towards development and progress very carefully. Although they assimilated skills and technology from the west they have observed a development code which protected indigenous features.

It is said that the first generation of a country which comes under an Imperialist yoke will get enslaved.

The second generation will ape their masters and the third generation will struggle for an independent cultural identity. "This saying becomes true when we glimpse at the current period in Sri Lanka.

It is accepted internationally that the 21st century will be Asia's century. This presumption is due to the achievements made by India and other countries through a framework of nationally oriented development.

"Today we are faced with a number of strategic challenges which have cropped up since independence. Chief among them are the direct unfavourable threats posed to peace, morals and cultural values.

"We have to act in an intelligent manner when overcoming these threats and raising our heads as a nation. These new neo-colonialist threats and influences activate in a subtle manner under various guises.

"It is evident that the special attention of imperialists was always drawn towards the natural resources of Sri Lanka which are a potential treasure house. Today we can see the greatest attempt made to plunder Sri Lanka's natural resources in its history under various guises.

"We know that plans in keeping with the requirements of western capitalism and imperialism have been already drawn up for implementation.

"Under this situation each and every citizen should show concern and feeling for our natural resources.

We are still a democratic country which values its ancient cultural assets.

The nature of new neo colonialism is to destroy these cultural values and traditions. Earlier, imperialists were equipped with arms and ammunition.

Today they use various other subtle means to implement their agenda."The attempts made by the state media to turn culture upside down in the recent past was one facet of this organised program.

The time has come for us to strengthen the cultural re-awakening we obtained in 1956. As a nation we should firmly resolve on this independence day to achieve economic independence through a new cultural revival.

"The time has come for us to join hands and march forward through new independent thinking, by preventing and overcoming the cultural sets back.

I sincerely hope that peace and prosperity will dawn in this country through full freedom and independence."

"Let us wake up and build a country for us"

Most Venerable Weweldeniya Medhalankara Mahanayaka Maha Thera

We, Sri Lankans who are celebrating the 56th Independence Day are confronted with a host of grave crises after the Independence. Ethnic crisis, missionary religious conversion and disharmony are the most serious problems amongst them. However, it is not a secret that in the backdrop of all these, our disunity and our unpatriotic conduct have mainly given rise to these problems.

The helpless people have been subjected to immense distress by the arbitrary enforcement of political authority. Even though they are in distress, and are unable to do anything, as a customary practice they used to cast their votes at every election only to be subjected to distress over and over. If not so, the politicians will fulfil their part by whatever means they have.

All these have caused immense hardships to our country and rendered our country helpless. Any good work, if done by whatever Government in the interest of the nation, must be implemented. We ourselves cannot see any such things have happened in that manner. We have a great doubt as to what our politicians who only fulfil their own tasks and satisfy the requirements of their kith and kin have done for the dignity of the country after the independence.

If any such things were done our country would have occupied a high economic position like any other developed nation. Nobody seems to have any need to improve the country. They remain silent turning a deaf ear to the advice and counsel of the national and religious leaders as well as the public voice.

This is very unfortunate. All those parties, which have engaged in politics in the past 56 years and the national and religious leaders, should be responsible for this plight. Let us wake up from this "death sleep", get together, and build "a country for us" thinking about the country at large and of the future generation.

Wishing all national and religious leaders, and also the people the wisdom for this.

Firm commitment to protect country

Anura Bandaranaike, MP, in an Independence Day Message said:

Sri Lanka marks the 56th anniversary of independence at a historic moment of forming the alliance between the SLFP and the JVP under the President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga's leadership with all progressive political parties and movements in the country. The theme of forming the alliance is to create a lawful society free from acts of terror, bribery and corruption.

The alliance has made a firm commitment to protect the country and its wealth, while facing all international challenges.

In the meantime, we should not forget the fact that local and international reactionary forces are working day and night to destroy the alliance so they could fulfil their selfish ends.

At this moment we should also commemorate late leaders like S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike, D. S. Senanayaka, Sir Baron Jayatilaka, Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan, Sir Arunachalam, M. C. Siddi Lebbe, Dr. T.B. Jayah, Sir Razik Fareed and Dr. M. C. M. Kaleel who had made a great contribution to free the nation from the British Colonial Rule.

Throughout history our kings and forefathers made great contributions to enrich the country.

As a result they left with us a rich heritage and an unprecedented wealth of resources of irrigation and agriculture. At this crucial moment while commemorating the hard work done by our forefathers as a nation, we all must determine to leave laziness and selfishness, with the firm commitment to make our contribution for the development of the country to bring it to the level of developed nations in the region.

"All citizens must resolve to resuscitate the nation"

Weligama Gnanaratana Mahanayaka Thera of Amarapura Sri Dharma Rakshitha Maha Nikaya

Sri Lanka completes 56th year of its Independence today. When looked back with wisdom on how the progress or the degeneration was in regard to the matters of our country, nation, religion, langauge and culture during the past 56 years, it will become crystal clear that it would not be possible to be honestly happy about them. Having understood the decline in the aforesaid matters all the citizens must resolve to resuscitate them.

Lord Soulbury who arrived in this country to grant independence, in his address to the Sinhalese of this country stated thus: "There was no nation in the world so great as you. In order to understand your greatness, you must look back to the past over two thousand five hundred years.

As you look at the sky - high huge Dagobas, large tanks, palatial buildings like Lovamahapaya and marvellous works of arts and crafts it can be very well understood what a wise, diligent, courageous and industrious people you were at that time. At that time we were barbarians." Thinking of this statement wisely Sinhalese in this country can generate their self-respect.

The rot in all these set in because the resources of this country was allowed to be destroyed by forgetting the history.

If someone resolves to think sensibly of only the present situation of the country which exported even rice, and act diligently and protect the customs and traditions which are dropping away from this country called the Island of Dhamma, then it means that the Independence is celebrated on a grand scale. Wishing all well.

'Enter the path to win true and meaningful Independence'

Today marks the 56th anniversary of the so-called independence gained by Sri Lanka. Apart from customarily celebrating it there is no such independence gained by Sri Lanka so far, said the JVP Politburo in an Independence Day message. The message added, today we have entered the darkest period in our history. On the one hand the country is fast moving towards an economic abyss. We have no economy based on local production.

Our economy is being eaten up by external imperialist forces and their local lackeys. We have an economy which allows foreign racketeers to plunder all national resources and economic nerve centres as they please.

On the other hand on the eve of this 56th anniversary of nominal independence our country has reached a stage of division with the active collaboration of the Imperialists, the LTTE organisation and the present UNP. This has created a situation which spawns national disunity instead of creating a single national identity uniting Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims.

All moral and spiritual values built up by our country through its proud 2,500 year history have suffered a serious deterioration today. Other than alien buffoonery no recognition is given to indigenous cultural creations.

When considering all this we have lost our national economy today. On the other hand national unity has been disrupted. How can we celebrate independence in such a situation. We cannot expect anything else than our country becoming a colony once again.

The whole nation faces downfall when the national economy and national unity are disrupted. Therefore what we must do is to rebuild the national economy and restore national unity by preventing religious clashes. It is with these hopes that we can lend our support towards the sacred duty of rebuilding our nation.

We should not forget the fact that all progressive forces in this country are rallying round a single banner at this juncture.

Therefore let us resolve on this day to enter the path of winning true and meaningful independence in place of nominal independence.

"Much to do to become independent people"

Rt. Revd Duleep de Chickera, Bishop of Colombo

The period of colonisation crushed the initiative and aspirations of our people for 450 years and created new power blocks. Independence in 1948 brought fresh expectations of nation building. Left to govern ourselves, we politicised communal grievance, both Sinhala and Tamil, and fought each other fiercely. In the process we lost sight of the importance of integration and harmony among all our people.

Repeated political change failed to arrest our deteriorating crisis. Today we are grateful for the ceasefire agreement and MoU and the tremendous impact it has had on the culture of war. Most Sri Lankans would urge the President and Prime Minister to ensure collaborative support of this process. It would be disastrous for all and a serious indictment on all our political leaders if the ceasefire suffers a set back.

And yet our crises are legion. We are still pressed in on all sides by oppression, violence, suspicion, corruption, poverty and the acute absence of values. We very sadly continue to be a people of confrontational attitudes and relationships, preferring to fight when there is disagreement and dispute rather than to dialogue and grow by learning new lessons.

Claiming to be independent we are still very much a captive and enslaved people. We are enslaved to poverty and the dominant and selfish economic policies of the richer countries and their local agents. We are enslaved to divisive and destructive party politics that has interfered in and pervaded almost every area of national life and crippled good governance.

We are enslaved to extreme communalism that has made us suspicious of and antagonistic toward all other communities but our own. We are enslaved to crime which is fast becoming a way of life for many.

And we are enslaved to a chronic sense of fault finding and blaming of the other that could soon make us a nation of self righteous people. There is still much that we need to do to become a mature fulfilled and independent people.

According to the teaching of Christ such situations call for self evaluation, repentance, community discernment and radical change for the common good. Consequently my prayer for all our people for 2004 is that we may:

* Discern that poverty is a created injustice and hear and respond to the grievance of the poor, * discern that power is an opportunity to serve and facilitate change for a more just and equal society, * discern that the difference in the "other" is a resource for mutual learning and enrichment for the common good, and to shift from theories of suspicion and superiority, * discern that visible crime in some, is a manifestation of a deeper social ailment in all; and for which all are responsible, * discern that we qualify to criticise others only to the extent that we engage in self criticism. With Peace and Blessings to all.

"Unitedly end problem in North-East"

R.K. Suresh, Director Administration, Ceylon Workers Alliance

When Sri Lanka was under foreign domination the masses of this country subject for oppression and suppression and they were denied the opportunity of taking part in the mainstream of politic and had to live as slaves. To obtain the independence from foreign domination, the leaders of all communities shelving their petty differences and struggled valiantly.

Today, the masses of this country celebrate the 56th independence day on a grand scale with high hope of leading a prosperous life with an eternal solution to the ethnic problems, which destroyed the country economically.

Late Sirimavo Bandaranaike, the first Women Prime Minister of Sri Lanka brought glory to the country by conducting Non-Aligned Summit Conference in Sri Lanka. President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, the fist Women President of Sri Lanka is the only leader, who accepted the fact that the North-East people are laced with basic problems and positive and meaningful action should be taken to bring an end to the ethnic problem.

In his message, he further stated that there is good omen for the UNF Government to establish alliance with Eksath Janatha Nidhas Peramuna under the able Presidency of Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga forgetting political differences and resume negotiation with the LTTE to bring end to the ethnic problem. It is also very pertinence to mention here that several trade union leaders represent the plantation workers and certain opportunistic leaders boasting that they are the guardians of the plantation workers is a farce.

Certain leaders, who gave open press statement that they would join hands with the LTTE to form a Government in the event of the formation of National Government now reject for alliance and try to retain their popularity, he wishes a bright future for the people of this country.

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