Independence day messages

Ready to face future challenges - President

The 62nd anniversary of independence we mark today has special significance being the first such celebration of our freedom since the defeat of terrorism in our country last year, and also as it takes place soon after our people have expressed their firm and resounding commitment to democracy, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said in an Independence Day message. The message said: "The freedom from colonial rule that we gained 62 years ago is now more meaningful,

because we have been liberated from the forces of separatist terror that marred our freedom for nearly half the period since independence, and also gravely threatened the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country.

As much as we recall with gratitude the great contributions made by our patriots of the past in the struggle for independence, it is also fitting that we pay a tribute in full measure to all our heroic troops and their families for the sacrifices made in the battle against terrorism, as well as all sections of our people for the patriotism they showed in putting up with the hardships during this battle to restore freedom and democracy to our entire country.

We are particularly grateful for the courage shown by the people as we were confronted with the armed might of the forces of terror from within, as well as forces from outside who sought to pressure us into conceding to the aims of those who used terror as a political weapon.

We are also grateful to all friendly nations, from East and West, those near and afar, who understood the true nature of the struggle we were engaged in, and extended to us all support to achieve our objective of true freedom for our country and people.

As we move into the new ear of peace in our country, we are ready to face the challenges of the future. It is necessary that we give equal priority to the tasks of national reconciliation and the building of trust among all sections of our people, as well as to development that will take us to our rightful place in the community of nations.

The fruits of peace and the aspects of development that were not neglected despite our major occupation with the battle against terror, are already seen in the many projects initiated and completed in the power and energy sectors and in infrastructure development.

As our forefathers did in the glorious days of our past, and the more recent leaders in the struggle for freedom showed us, we remain committed to a single, unitary Sri Lanka, where all our people, irrespective of differences of ethnicity, religion or political persuasion, can enjoy the full benefits of freedom, development, and equal rights in a democratic society.

The new and even stronger mandate you have given us, gives greater confidence to move ahead in building the New Sri Lanka, which we envisage as the hub of economic activity and a beacon of progress in our region; together with a full commitment to the Rights of Man which are integral to the heritage bestowed on us from the past.

On this historic and significant anniversary of freedom, let us rededicate our nation to the ideals of peace, tolerance, mutual trust and progress, in the democratic tradition our people have cherished and protected as the oldest democracy in Asia.

I wish you a Prosperous Future.

May our nation be blessed by the Noble Triple Gem.

Unite for a brighter future - PM

All Sri Lankans must unite to bring a brighter future to the Motherland, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka said.

The Prime Minister in an Independence Day message said: "Freedom is desired by all living beings. Sri Lanka enriched by Buddhist values, is a nation which gives importance to the freedom of the individual.

Inhumane acts of a few in the society violate the freedom of the entire society. The value of freedom is deeply felt when it is lost, more than when it is enjoyed.

History shows that there was a period when Sri Lankans were longing for freedom. And during that period great national personalities have emerged, who surmounting all barriers had achieved the coveted goals for the nation.

We recently passed an era when freedom was limited to a word. During that bleak period the society had to live in fear and with uncertainty of the future. However, the country was fortunate enough at that juncture to be blessed with heroes who sacrificed their lives to bring freedom and happiness to the nation by ending the scourge of terrorism that lasted nearly thirty years.

Freedom which was achieved in February 1948 became more meaningful in 1972.

It strengthened to an absolute freedom in 2010, with the results of the recently concluded Presidential Election where Sri Lankans freely expressed their democratic rights.

I believe that the citizens of this country will now unite to bring a brighter future to our Motherland."

Eschew differences, work in unity

The most Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakkhita Mahanayake Thera of the Asgiriya chapter in a message to mark the 62nd Independence Day has called upon the people to eschew all petty differences and work in union for the betterment of the country at this decisive moment.

The message said that on this occasion we should remember with gratitude all our past heroes such as Ven. Wariyapola Sumangala Thera, Veera Keppetipola, Gongalegoda Banda and Veera Puranappu who rekindled the independence movement by laying drown their lives to protect our sovereignty Although we received independence from British rule in 1948 there was no reduction in foreign pressure. Independence and freedom were obstructed by LTTE terrorists who launched a separatist war for 30 years. Behind this scene there were foreign pressure to exploit our valuable resources. The cruel war had ended under the direction of President Mahinda Rajapaksa enabling Sri Lankans to enjoy freedom once again and everyone is thankful to him for it.

We should also gratefully remember the war heroes who made this possible through great sacrifice and pay tribute to them at this hour. Reminding all Sri Lankans about their prime duty to play a vital role in the country's development should be the main theme of this year celebrations.

Country has potential to flourish

Mahanayake of the Malwatte Chapter Most Ven. Tibbottuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera issuing an independence day message says he is very pleased in sending the greetings message on the event of commemorating the 62nd Independence Day after liberating this country from the colonial administration as an independent country with territorial integrity.

It further says: Sixty two years is a long period, but, we are not satisfied with our achievement on the development of social economic, education, health and moral characters. Various political and economic disruptions caused immensely for this setback. India could be cited as an example which received independence from the imperialists during the same era. But it has gone a long way in every aspect to be an independent country. We have to learn more lessons from India. Our country is flourishing with natural resources for development. If we make use of those resources our country will be extensively developed.

Therefore, as a country which has been built up on Buddhist principles, we should have high qualities of peace, harmony, equity, development, tolerance, love and kindness.

Golden opportunity to develop country

It is a great pleasure to all Sri Lankans on this occasion as the country is completing 62 years after the achievement of independence. This is a period of time during which we can leave a sigh of relief after the end of war which dragged on for nearly 30 years, said Mahanayake of Sri Lanka Ramanya Nikaya Most Ven. Weweldeniye Medhalankara Thera in an Independence Day message. It further says; We should endeavour to build up the country making use of this golden opportunity.

Once we experienced war and another occasion we underwent Tsunami but at this moment it manifest that we are able to meet a challenge whatsoever. This is the most appropriate opportunity to work with the concept that we are for ourselves abandoning narrow minded political views. We should awaken patriotism in the minds of people and inculcate that this country is ours and it belongs to our children. In many instances it is observed that our country is devoid with patriotism. Measures should be adopted to instil this impression into the minds of the children even during their school age.

Lethargy prevailing in the Sri Lankan society has been an immense hindrance to the national development.

Lack of proper management and absence of perfect leadership has been a predominant impediment. Constant alertness should be exercised for everything. It is always required to take precautionary and follow up action.

Be united to take country forward

Sinhala and Buddhist Culture fastened after the arrival of King Vijaya and Arahath Mihindu Thera has led to erosion with the advent of imperialists. It is obvious that brotherhood and harmony that prevailed among the Buddhists and Non-Buddhist communities in Sri Lankan split. However, as a result of struggle for independence staged by the Sri Lankans in the 19th and 20th centuries, says Maha Nayaka of Sri Lanka Amarapura Mahanayaka thera Davuldena Gnanissara in an independence day message.

We achieved independence from the imperialists in 1948. Although a period of time more than six decades has passed since the achievement of independence, the whole country was engulfed with terrorism for the half of this period. Thousands of valuable human lives were lost and a wide range of assets were destroyed due to the terrorism.

But we commemorate the 62nd independence day in an independent and peaceful atmosphere when terrorism has been annihilated. Now we should united as a nation and endeavour to make maximum use of this valuable opportunity to bring about our future development.

Independence with sense of pride

Today, we are celebrating our 62nd Independence Day with a strong sense of pride after defeating the three-decade-old separatist and racial war which posed a threat to the sovereignty and unity of the country. This is the very first such Independence Day celebration, which we are celebrating with a sense of true freedom, Leader of Jathika Hela Urumaya Ven Ellawala Medhananda Thera stated in his Independence Day message.

Despite efforts by various quarters including minority racial groups to split our country before and after our Independence from British rulers, such moves were thwarted on November 17, 2005 and also at the recently held Presidential Election. The people have once again proved that they can defeat the threats from national and international forces.

This year our economy has achieved a progress and therefore we must make a resolution today to rebuild this country with a prosperous future. Also we must resolve ourselves to ensure a highly moral and righteous country where we can boast of centre for naval, air, trade, power and energy and above all a centre of knowledge.

Victory for Economic and social progress

Despite the fact that majority of our people were highly relieved and jubilant over the end of the war in May 2009, what is mostly needed today is to make use of this victory for the economic and social progress of the country, Colombo Arch Bishop Rt. Reverend Malcolm Ranjith has stated in his Independence Day message.

Every year we celebrate our Independence Day on February 4 from the British rule and this year's Independence Day celebrations are highly significant after the end of the separatist and terrorist war in our country. All the people including our Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim and Burgher leaders were also happy on February 04, 1948 when we first achieved independence from British rule. That was then possible because of the collective contribution made by those religious leaders.

The aim on our political and religious leaders is not to prolong these rifts and differences in the society. We should learn lessons from the war that erupted in our country. We must redeem ourselves from these prejudices and work towards unity and progress of the country.

Be practical to make Independence meaningful

Independence is not just a manthra to be recited but a practical exercise. Political independence would become meaningful if there was economic and social independence, said the Diyawadana Nimale of the Sri Dalada Maligawa Pradeep Nilanga Dela Bandara in an Independence Day message.

Countries which gained Independence along with us and after us have surpassed us in economic and social terms because they had made Independence more practical.

Ending of war was the true political independence we gained in recent times. I wish to invoke the blessings of the Sacred Tooth Relic on all those who have contributed and continue to contribute to usher in a truly free and independent nation on this basis of the recent victories achieved.

Mutual understanding for better tomorrow

All Ceylon Jamiyyathul ulama President Ash-Shaikh Mufthi Rizwe in an independence day message says:

"We are commemorating the 62nd National Independence Day the people are obliged to commemorate the Leaders of all ethnics who jointly strived for the Independence of this country. They entrusted this country to us to live in harmony with all the ethnics irrespective of their race and religion."

"At this stage, print and electronic media could extend their optimum co-operation to build up peace and harmony of this country by conducting programs on mutual understanding and flexibility in their stance. As the dark cloud of war has disappeared and the dawn of peace is in existence, we pray to Almighty Allah for perpetual prosperity of this country."

Country progressing to prosperity

Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama in an Independence Day message says:

As we approach the second decade of the new millennium, the 62nd Independence Day is of special significance. It becomes even more significant with the selection of the Sri Dalada Maligawa complex for the Independence celebrations this year. We should also constantly remember that this is the first time we are celebrating the newly won freedom at the end of 30 years of the cruel war. With the historic victory, the flavour of this year's Independence will spread to nooks and corners of the entire country in the backdrop of a unified and unitary state. We are marching forward towards prosperity following the thinking of a victorious leader.

It's time for everyone with a love for the country and value humanity, to wake up and rally round to take the country forward. Enriched with new technology, the 1.2 million strong public service is gearing for action. The process of development is gathering momentum in the fields of agriculture, irrigation, highways, power and information technology. Computer literacy which was 9 percent in 2004 has risen to 25 percent in 2009. Facilities are being made available to learn English.

Economic stability needed to make independence meaningful

If the country is to make the independence gained on February 04, 1948 a meaningful one, we must speedily ensure an economic stability to our country, Mahajana Eksath Peramuna leader and Chief Government Whip Minister Dinesh Goonawardene said in a statement.

The country was under the foreign domination for nearly four and half centuries. During this period, the Western imperialists made all efforts to destroy our 2,000 year old Sinhala Buddhist culture and it was our national leaders like Ven. Kudapola Thera, Gongalegoda Banda and Weera Puran Appu who fought against these foreign forces in the hill country.

Then the British Imperialism began to change its policies towards its colonial countries with the emancipation of freedom struggles and revolutionary forces around the world. This facilitated the third world countries like ours to find new strategies to gain this independence.

Then our national, religious and political laders began to play their different roles towards achieving this goal.

Country blessed with resources

Sri Lanka is described as a Pearl in the Indian Ocean and blessed with rich bounty of nature. With its green country side, natural gems, stones quarries, charming tea gardens and with undulating landscape in the backdrop, the island nation of Sri Lanka is indeed a place with many blessings, in an Independence Day message Ramakrishna Mission President Swami Sarvarapananda says.

Steeped in a rich and ancient history, the culture and social values espoused by the people of Sri Lanka have nourished it for over 62 years with an impressive past and a glorious future.

The country won its freedom from its colonial rulers in 1948 and it has been making considerable progress in various fields of its national life even since then.

Sri Ramakrishna's Universal message 'As many faiths so many paths' may bring peace, harmony and good will in the land.

This year's independence day goes down in history

This year's independence day celebrations will go down in history, as the most dignified and meaningful independence celebration as it is the first such celebration made by the country and its people after gaining full freedom and liberty ending thirty years of terrorism, said Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare Minister Keheliya Rambukwelle in a message.

Although we celebrated independence day during the past it was done in an environment devoid of full freedom as terrorism dragged the country for more than 30 years.

Therefore we as a nation should make this occasion more meaningful by rising up in unison to assist in the national development effort.

Independence celebrated in United Sri Lanka

The gratitude and thanks of the people in the Central Province is due to President Mahinda Rajapaksa for his decision to conduct the 62nd Independence Day celebrations in the historic hill capital, issuing an Independence Day message Central Province Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa said.

This years Independence Day is doubly significant as it is the first independence celebration held in a united Sri Lanka after defeating 30 years of terrorism and a historic and resounding election victory gained by the President on this Independence Day.

Nation healing and reconciliation

Bishop of Colombo Rt. Rev. Duleep de Chickera issuing an independence day message says:

My message to the Nation this year is in the form of a prayer that was written some years ago. It is a prayer that is often used in our Churches when Christians gather to worship God.

Prayers that are thoughtfully repeated have been known to change people's attitudes and values.

Whatever the result of the Presidential election, the period ahead calls for National healing and reconciliation which can only begin with a change in the inner person.

Otherwise, economic development will inevitably cater to excessive greed and political engagement will inevitably be understood as the accumulation and manipulation of power and consequently healing and reconciliation will continue to elude us.

A Prayer for Sri Lanka

O God the Creator of all Humankind,
look with mercy upon our Country
and in your great goodness, give us the peace
and justice and unity we long for.
Restrain those who plan evil
and encourage those who work for the common good.
Protect those who live in danger
and those whose duty exposes them to harm.
Uphold those who suffer
and strengthen those who are afraid.
Resettle those who are displaced
and transform all those who pursue their cause
by violence.
And temper O Lord
the lifestyles of all our people,
with simplicity, courage, humility and
love for the truth,
through Him who gave His life for us,
even Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Tremendous transformation:

Country rapidly developing

Home Affairs Minister Chandrasiri Gajadeera issuing an independence day message says:

Sri Lanka has been placed among the rapidly developing countries in the world. It is miraculous that our country has come to first place among the countries most appropriate for tourist destinations in the world. This is a tremendous transformation. It is appropriate to recall all the victories achieved by Sri Lankans on the 62nd Independence Commemoration Day.

A new era has dawned in the North and East. Friendship which bridges North and South is very firm. Our country is no longer a divided country. It is a State unified under one flag. Call of freedom spreads from Dondra Point to Point Pedro. We should identify the international forces which hinder this unique victory. It is a pleasure that the people are on the vigilance concerned on development. Mammoth projects such as international airport, harbours, playgrounds, southern express way are the valuable investments to maintain proper international relations.

Independence celebrated in true sense

The whole nation is indebted and grateful to President Mahinda Rajapaksa who has paved the way for the country to commemorate the 62nd Day of Independence in its true sense sans LTTE or whatever form of terrorism, says Indigenous Medicine Minister Tissa Karalliyadda in his Independence Day message.

The LTTE terrorism has been routed out and the country has been revived to a united sovereignty in which all communities are living under the Lion's Flag.

After nearly 30 years, for the first time the country celebrates the Independence Day in Kandy, the historic Senkadagalapura Kingdom without fear or panic caused by the LTTE terrorists. With President Rajapaksa's election victory, today Sri Lankans celebrate the freedom and liberty in its real shape.

He says for the people in Rajarata who had been at the threshold of war and brutal LTTE terrorism for three decades, today's Independence Day is the most memorable.