Independence Day messages
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People thronged streets in
Colombo yesterday to purchase National flags in preparation
to celebrate the 64th National Independence Day. Picture by
Nissanka Wijeratne |
We celebrate Independence with dignity, freedom - President
'Our nation is fortunate to celebrate the 64th
Independence Day with a genuine sense of dignity about freedom,
states President Mahinda Rajapaksa in an Independence Day message.
The message adds: "Today the national flag flutters pointing to a
new country in the making.
The
way is open for an independent economy. It daily reinforces the
nation's aspiration for a prosperous future. It has given us freedom
to decide upon issues concerning the country and the nation without
bowing down before external powers. I strongly believe that is the
immense responsibility the nation entrusted to us. It is a great
pleasure to see the steady consolidation of supreme independence.
'The country's achievements would be secured when
opportunities for peace, co-existence as well as harmonious living
are widened. Sacrifices made so far to reach that objective have to
be secured in future too. We would no longer hesitate to take
decisions towards fostering national unity through an indigenous
programme of action. We overcame diverse challenges the country
faced with extreme patience. We have built productive economic,
political, defence, trade and cultural links with the international
community through friendly contacts. We must preserve all this by
working more rationally, intelligently and patriotically than even
before.
'Similarly, the country should be brought forward
developing its value systems. It is only then that a prosperous life
would emerge in a peaceful environment.
'The nation's respect and felicitations should go to
all patriots who paid the supreme sacrifice, laying down their lives
to overcome the nations challenges for the sake of supreme
independence.
'I wish you a bright future!'
Work with unity for a prosperous, nation - PM
'It is with great expectations that we look forward
to celebrate the 64th anniversary of Independence on February 4,
2012. 'May 19, 2009 marked the historic day that the country
succeeded in eradicating LTTE terrorism that debilitated to
economic, social and cultural fabric of the country for 30 years,
states Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne in an Independence Day message.
It
was the far-sighted vision, guidance and leadership of Mahinda
Rajapaksa that contributed to the achievement of this historic feat.
With the defeat of LTTE terrorism our Tamil brethren in the North
and East as well as the general public of the rest of the country
could have a sigh of relief. They are now enjoying peaceful lives
devoid of fear and anxiety.
'The government had successfully completed
reconstruction of government buildings, roadways, houses, places of
religious worship and other infrastructure facilities in the North
and the East that were destroyed or damaged during the war. Many a
new infrastructure project that had been completed had changed the
landscape of the North and the East. The resettlement of displaced
persons in their usual habitat had brought contentment to these long
suffering people. A series of development projects that are in
progress had resuscitated the economy of the North and the East
which was badly battered by the 30 year war.
'Along with the development activities in the North
and the East, the government had undertaken a number of mega
projects that will usher in unprecedented economic development
throughout the country.
Several prodigious projects, such as, the
Norochcholai Power Plant, Upper Kothmale Hydro Power Project and
Hambantota Harbour which the previous governments never dared to
undertake were started and successfully completed by the Rajapaksa
Government. Meaningful steps have been taken to promote the tourist
industry attracting foreign investments for construction of tourist
hotels and resorts under a well drawn out tourism plan.
The major part of the Southern Expressway has
already been completed and opened for public use.
'On this 64th anniversary of Independence of our
country, we all must make a firm resolution and commitment to work
with unity, peace and harmony to make this beautiful country a happy
and a prosperous nation.'
Working in unity should be motto of all citizens -
Asgiriya prelate
Sri
Lanka's cultural, educational, social, economic and political
freedom which began with the arrival of Vijaya was lost to us in
1505 with the Portuguese invasion, states the Mahanayake of the
Asgiriya Chapter Most Venerable Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Thera in
an Independence Day message.
The message states : Sri Lanka which became a colony
under the Dutch and British gained its independence in 1948 having
undergone various challenges and obstacles.
'The country commemorates the 64th anniversary of
its independence this year. On this happy occasion we must
gratefully remember both the great religious and lay personnel who
sacrificed their lives towards gaining independence for the country.
'Although the term independence is used in numerous contexts,
according to Buddhism its means freedom from defilements based on
craving throughout Sansara or the ocean of births and deaths. 'All
beings are fettered into the wheel of Sansara until they become free
from strong thinking which defiles the mind. When we consider the
happenings in present Sri Lanka, although we enjoy some sort of
economic and political independence. The country is in a prison of
world evils. 'Independence is not a resultative until all citizens
of Sri Lanka think together without selfishness whatever being the
disputes. Administrative rules of the Upanish Literature
"Sangacchadivam sanvomanansi Janatham," walk together, talk together
and act in unison should be the motto of all citizens, who sincerely
wish for the welfare of the country.
Make use of independence for meaningful future -
Malwatte prelate
'When the English came to power on March 2, 1815 of
the Christian era, Sri Lanka lost not only its sovereignty and
self-governance, but, also our traditional Buddhist democratic
administrative system, customs, religion, education, lands,
agriculture and all, states the Mahanayake Thera of the Malwatte
Chapter Most Venerable Thibbotuwawe Sri Sidhdhartha Sumangala Thera.
The
message adds: 'After the subjugation from foreign power, acquisition
of freedom on February 4, 1948, the hoisting of the National Flag
was an incident which showcased the dignity of Sri Lanka to the rest
of the world.
'The prime intention of celebrating Independence Day
should be to commemorate the great heroes who sacrificed their lives
to gain independence and freedom for the country with gratitude, to
look back the country's to the today's generation, to pave the way
to make their present and future meaningful and to realize the
reality of freedom. 'The most important duty which should be
acquired through the freedom won is the economic and spiritual
development of the people.
'For this purpose, adhering to the Buddhist
democratic political system will be of much importance.
'In order to establish economic and social
development in the country and to gain sustainable development, it
is important to act with a far sighted political vision and without
a biased political view.
'The foundation of Buddhist democratic politics is
equity, co-existence and Aparihana Dhamma, Pancha Seela concept
summoned by the Buddha to vajjees. Here, priority is not given for
artillery powers but it gives way to civil power by strengthening
wisdom and Dhamma.
'The freedom of a country is meaningful when it
encourages wisdom, good values, public opinion on the basis of
Dhamma. Buddhist co-existence is common for human society and for
animals. I most sincerely appeal to all the people to act without
partisan politics to regain the lost physical and spiritual
development on this Independence Day'.
Act with devotion towards country - Mahanayake Thera of the Ramanya
Chapter
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Most
Venerable Weweldeniye Medhalankara Thera |
What the Sri Lankan Society needs today is the strength to rise as an
Independent nation, said Mahanayake Thera of the Ramanya Chapter Most
Venerable Weweldeniye Medhalankara Thera issuing an Independence Day
message.
The message: "The formation of the necessary environment for an
independent country has been completed. Today, all of us are enjoying
the peaceful environment which should prevail with national, religious
and environmental independence.
Terrorism which existed for over 30 years has ended and an
environment has been created to rise up as a strong nation. In this era
where the community life has now become normal, our future would be very
pleasant if we are able to be rich economically as well as ethically.
Our wish has always been to provide such a pleasant environment to the
children of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is indeed a sacred land. It is due to
our meritorious acts in the past which has enabled us to be born in this
beautiful and sacred island. If we achieve such prosperity, no one will
attempt to degrade us. This is the most suitable era to act with a sense
of nationalism and devotion towards country and the religion."
Many sacrificed to gain freedom - Mahanayake of the Amarapura Maha
Nikaya
Nature has gifted us a land with all the natural beauties and other
valuable day-to-day needs. Our country which is known as "Serendib"
within the five great oceans and continents is a term given by the
foreigners.
Foreigners who name this as the "Golden Island" is beyond imagination
and we are proud to be born here, said Mahanayake of the Amarapura Maha
Nikaya Venerable Dauldena Gnanissara Maha Nayake Thera in an
Independence Day Message.
The message: "Our country is endowed with natural beauties and
blessed with the Dhamma of the Buddha. One can come across all types of
climatic conditions within a space of 20 kilometres. The rivers in this
golden island never go dry.
The rain water is collected in lakes around the country. This land of
ours is sanctuary to wild elephants, beasts and birds. The nature has
given to this land fruits and other consumable vegetables as gifts. It
is hardly believable whether there is another country gifted with all
these other than Sri Lanka.
The country celebrates its 64th anniversary of independence. It will
be the duty of all our citizens irrespective of race or creed to have
pride in ourselves and work in close unity.
Our country was self-sufficient in rice. One is at a loss to
understand how a dry area in the district of Moneragala could have
produced such an amount of paddy by collecting only the rain water.
We who were under the foreign rule of the Portuguese, Dutch and the
British for 433 years lost all our valuable artifacts and brought us
under their domination and in the year when we got back our independence
nominally in 1948 we were subjected to their domination and had to
depend on the import of rice which is our staple diet.
They handed back the country to us under the impression that this
land is a colony of theirs.
They handed over the country to a set of people who were the shadows
of the foreigners. During the era 1950-60 when there was the Korean war,
our natural rubber fetched a very high price in the market and we had a
surplus budget.
Today, we are celebrating our 64th anniversary of obtaining
independence from the colonial rule.
However, during the last few years due to the far-sighted polices of
our administrators with patriotic feelings, we have been able to attain
self-sufficiency in rice. We are enjoying full freedom as a unitary
state. Many are the people who sacrificed their lives to attain this
freedom and it should be obligatory on all of us as true citizens of
this golden land to commemorate them."
Time to march towards development - All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama
Sri Lankan Muslims since the era of kings, have been living in this
country as sincere citizens to all the leaders. Even during the last
three decades of battle Muslims did not like either separating the
country or acting against the rulers, All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama said
in a message to mark Independence Day.
The message: "Now is the time to march towards the path of
development at this state of peace and complete independence. Every
citizen, irrespective of Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims should come
forward as Sri Lankans for the development of the country with devotion
and dedication.
All communities could be brought to a common stream of thoughts only
if every community is treated and valued with equality, mutual
understanding, trust, cooperation and compromise in the activities of
our President one could observe his trend of respecting every community.
However, the fear is that the activities of some government officials
might be the hurdles to achieve his goal.
All religious leaders should guide the society they are representing
to follow their religious solidarity and good manners and make efforts
to guide them to regard the other societies. All Ceylon Jamiyyathul
Ulama believes that our motherland could be brought to the genuine path
of development only if the service oriented government organizations
come forward to serve the people forgetting the social, cultural,
religious and linguistic differences in the societies."
Patriots always defend country - Media Minister
Patriots always fought against enemy forces that attempted to invade
or control the country. Sri Lankans, as a nation were always dedicated
and determined to oppose anyone who threatened the dignity of the
country, said Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella
issuing an Independence Day message.
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Minister
Keheliya Rambukwella |
The message: "There were many heroes who sacrificed their precious
lives for the independence of the country. In the past, our heroes
sacrificed their precious lives to save the country from aggressors,
such as, Kalinga Maga.
During the colonial era, our heroes fought for safeguarding the
dignity of this country giving only second place to their own life. In
the recent history over 30,000 war heroes sacrificed their lives to
defeat the separatist terrorism and to safeguard the unitary status of
this country.
It is natural that the human beings become aggressive when there is a
threat to their freedom. Patriotism and national dignity is essential
for a country. We, Sri Lankans possess a historical civilization that is
not second to any other country and we can be proud of that.
The government has no intention at all of controlling the freedom of
anyone by restrictions and other barriers and it is the intention of the
government to provide the development based physical freedom to the
masses.
Building of the spiritual freedom of individuals should be done by
individuals. The rulers can only provide a space conducive to achieve
this task.
The freedom of the first citizen of this country who provided freedom
to this country in the recent history is still limited since the
challenges to the motherland from the local and international forces
have not ended yet.
It is the responsibility of the people to fight for the freedom and
protect the prevailing freedom. As it was said by the founder of the
Indian Independence Mahatma Gandhi "if the term "my" can be removed in
religious, political and economic activities, human beings can achieve
freedom expeditiously. Then the heaven will appear on the surface of the
earth itself."
Let us hand over this nation to the future generation as a prosperous
nation thereby honouring the war heroes who sacrificed their lives and
providing a value to the blood they spilled."
Dedicate to nation building - Bishop of Colombo's Commissary
National Days of a country are not only a time for thanksgiving but
also a time for introspection and reflection. We in Sri Lanka have much
to be thankful for in what our country has achieved over the past
sixty-four years, said Bishop of Colombo's Commissary Venerable
Chrishantha B Mendis in an Independence Day message.
The message "There have also been failures and it is equally or more
important to reflect on our failures because the only way we can go
forward is by moving away from the wrongs and the wrong paths that we
may have followed in the past.
When our country obtained independence from colonial rule in 1948,
our people had already been electing their representatives to the
legislature for nearly two decades. We were one of the first countries
in the world where universal adult franchise was introduced under the
Donoughmore reforms. Education was free and compulsory and a system of
central schools ensured that quality education was made available to
all.
Post-independence, the growth of state universities ensured that
tertiary education was not confined to a select few. The development of
the state health sector has ensured affordable medical facilities
throughout the country. Progress has also been made in diversifying our
largely agriculture-based economy.
A solution to our problems of national unity and reconciliation and
increasing poverty both in the urban and rural areas are matters of
concern. These are issues that our leaders, both political and civil
society, recognized. The recommendations made by the LLRC have provided
an opportunity to our political leaders to courageously move forward by
implementing the recommendations in the right spirit and thereby create
the right conditions for a solution to the National Question, for
ensuring law and order and effective law enforcement and for uplifting
the social and economic status of the marginalized in society.
Let us use this National Day to re-dedicate ourselves to the task of
nation building in all areas of life - spiritual, political, social and
economic."
Join hands together to develop nation - Ramakrishna Mission
I prey to the Lord to shower his choicest blessing on the
Independence Day celebration, to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and all of
his ministerial colleagues, who are the co-partners doing their sincere
efforts to bring the glory of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri
Lanka to the high pedestal, said Ramakrishna Mission Vice President and
Chairman Swami Sarvarupananda issuing an Independence Day message.
The message: "To safeguard this Independence, the country needs
education, money and opportunities and l other social and economic
conditions. For that, one should be properly equipped, physically as
well as mentally. This involves making right choices and struggling hard
to fulfill, what are the dreams to have. It is not an easy path. The
Upanishads have declared "Arise, Awake and stop not till the goal is
reached".
By the hard work and guidance of the President and his team of
executives, the country crossed many hurdles, and will be able to cross
further. In all the fields we have the courage to work for it and
succeed.
The freedom we enjoy today as individuals, society and a nation, is
the fruit of hard labour and scarifies of our ancestors and
predecessors.
Whenever the team work is involved, this is always the superior and
the subordinate relations coming to play an important role. To make the
team effort successful, all have to join hands together and co-operate
with each other.
This idea has been expressed in the last prayer of Rigveda: - "Let us
speak together, let our thoughts be one, let us be of one mind, let the
place be common, assembly be common, mind and thought be common.
Let the resolve be the same, and the mind be of one accord."
Holistic development needed for total political freedom - Public
Administration and Home Affairs Minister
Economic, social and cultural development is one of the critical
factors in total political freedom, said Public Administration and Home
Affairs Minister W.D.J. Seneviratna issuing a message to mark the
National Independence Day.
The message: “As we are well aware, the coastal belt of our
motherland had been under the rule of Portuguese from 1505-1658 A.D. and
of Dutch from 1658-1796 A.D. The year 1815 marked in the history in
which the British brought the country under their control. During that
period India, our neighbour had also been under the British yoke and as
a result of such situation, a freedom struggle was launched by the
Indian leaders. In the meantime, Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim leaders of
Sri Lanka whilst extending their cooperation to their freedom struggle,
launched a movement to win freedom from British rule. Due to their
unwavering efforts Sri Lanka could mark February 4, 1948 as the
Independence Day in its history.
The country gained the total freedom from the crown with the
transformation of Sri Lanka to a Democratic Socialist Republic in 1972
removing the British Navy camps at Trincomalee.
The country follows a democratic ruling system which applies a
multiparty system for selecting representatives of the people. Even
though the country had to face political conspiracies, riots and
terrorist activities which were aimed to topple down the governments
elected by the people, the country and the government could protect the
democratic process defeating such malicious practices. The recent three
decades are marked in our history as the period during which the freedom
of the people had been suppressed by LTTE terrorism .
In retrospect of the history of Sri Lanka after freedom, we have now
reached a juncture where we should consider whether the progress gained
after independence is at a satisfactory level. We should not forget that
the countries such as India, Singapore, Malaysia and Korea which were
far behind in the path of development at the time of our independence in
1948 have achieved a significant development.
With a view to ensure a high standard of living, foundation has been
laid under the Mahinda Chinthana policy manifesto to develop the country
giving priority to the fields, such as, marine, air, trade and commerce.
Medium and small-scale projects are implemented as long-term and
short-term projects to make Sri Lanka a developed country in Asia.
Information and Communication Technology holds a prominent place in
our effort to transform our country to a developed competitor of modern
world. It is not necessary to point out that the public servant has to
play a major role in the development of the country applying government
policies.
Therefore, we expect that present and future public servants will be
partners of the journey towards development proving their ability to
communicate in Sinhala, Tamil and English languages.”
‘True independence brought by defeating terrorism’
Today is the day we as Sri Lankans celebrate our 64th Independence
Day in the city of Anuradhapura. True independence was brought to the
people by defeating terrorism, said Sulaahiya Arabic college advisor
Aljah Kaleel Moulavi in an Independence Day message.
The message: “We have been celebrating our independence for decades
given by the British which is something fake and not a real
independence. Even after their independence, we have experienced
communal issues, killings, jealousy and hatredness and we had no
guarantee even to our lives when a man is stepped out of the house and
not returning homes.
We've also experience bomb explosions in the streets and in thickly
populated areas. We had a time in which we found hundreds and thousands
of people were killed. The only word that was left out was just the word
“Independence'.
Assets belong to Muslims from Vanni were taken by the terrorists and
asked to leave within 24 hours from the Northern peninsula. Muslims from
the East were ordered to leave too. Real independence was brought to our
country in 2009. That was our real independence. We as Buddhists,
Muslims, Hindus and Catholics, we have our lives back defeating
terrorism. The era of explosion is over. Hatred, jealousy and terrorist
activities are completely eradicated. In terms of Economical and
religious independence was brought to us only in 2008. That was the only
day we can call as a real Independence Day. That real independence was
brought to us by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.”
From India
It gives me immense pleasure to convey heartiest felicitations and
warm greetings to you on behalf of the Government and people of India on
the occasion of the 64th Independence Day of Sri Lanka.
India and Sri Lanka share a centuries old friendship and a common
heritage. Our close bilateral relations are characterized by the spirit
of mutual understanding and constructive cooperation. I am confident
that our relations will continue to strengthen in the years ahead to the
mutual benefit of our two peoples.
I wish to convey my best wishes for your good health and well being
as well as for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly
people of Sri Lanka.
Please accept.
Manmohan Singh
Prime Minister of India
From Pakistan
On behalf of people and the Government of Pakistan and on my own
behalf, it is with immense pleasure that I extend heartiest and warmest
greetings to Your Excellency, the Government and the people of the
Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on the auspicious occasion of 64th
National Day of the country.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have enjoyed close, cordial and cooperative
relations in all fields since the establishment of diplomatic relations
between the two countries. The bilateral cooperation has witnessed a
significant progress and diversification.
I am confident that our bilateral relations will be further
strengthened and consolidated to the mutual benefit of our two countries
in the years ahead under your leadership.
Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani
Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
From China
On the auspicious occasion of the 64th anniversary of Independence of
the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, on behalf of the Chinese
government and people and of my own, I wish to extend my heartfelt
congratulations and best wishes to Your Excellency and through Your
Excellency, to the Sri Lankan government and people.
Under the leadership of Your Excellency, Sri Lanka has maintained
social stability, rapid economic development and people’s living
standard has been continuously uplifted. I sincerely hope that Sri Lanka
will accomplish greater achievements in the path of nation building.
Since diplomatic ties between our two countries were established over
half a century ago, China - Sri Lanka relationship has developed
continuously, healthily and smoothly. Currently, China - Sri Lanka
relationship is at its best in history. Our two countries have
maintained frequent high- level contacts.
Our exchanges and cooperation in areas of economy, trade, culture and
education, etc have achieved new progress. We support each other on the
issues of major respective concerns. I’m willing to make joint efforts
with Your Excellency to further promote the China -Sri Lanka All-round
Cooperative Partnership to new heights. May Your Excellency enjoy good
health. May Sri Lanka enjoy prosperity.
Hu Jintao
People’s Republic of China
From Bahrain
On behalf of the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain and on my own
behalf, I wish to convey to Your Highness, and through you to the
Government and the people of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri
Lanka, my sincere greetings and best wishes on the happy occasion of
celebrating the Independence Day of your country.
I am confident that the friendly relations and close cooperation that
exist between our two countries will be further strengthened in the
years ahead.
I take this opportunity to convey my best wishes for your good
health, and happiness for the continued success and prosperity to the
people of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka under your able
and wise leadership.
Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa
King of the Kingdom of Bahrain
From Austria
On the occasion of the Independence Day of the Democratic Socialist
Republic of Sri Lanka I take great pleasure in conveying to you my
warmest congratulations. I take this opportunity to extend my best
wishes for your personal well-being as well as for a happy future of the
Sri Lankan people.
Heinz Fischer
Federal President of the Republic of Austria
From Czech Republic
On behalf of the people of the Czech Republic and on my own behalf
may I extend to you my most sincere congratulations on the National Day
of your country – the Independence Commemoration Day.
I am confident that the traditionally good relations existing between
our countries will continue to develop in the spirit of friendship and
cooperation.
I avail myself of this opportunity to wish you good health, happiness
and every success in your work.
Vaclav Elaus
President of the Czech Republic
From Singapore
On the joyous occasion of the Independence Day of the Democratic
Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on February 4, 2012, I wish to extend on
behalf of the people of Singapore, our sincere congratulations and best
wishes for the peace, progress and prosperity of your country and
people.
Tony Tankeng Yam
President of Republic of Singapor
From Malaysia
On behalf of the Government and people of Malaysia, I wish to extend
my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to you and the people of
the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, on this auspicious
occasion of the 64th Anniversary of the Independence Day of the
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
I note with satisfaction that the cordial relations between our two
nations have continued to strengthen over the years. With the existing
strong bold of friendship and understanding, I am confident that the
relations between our two countries will be enhanced in the years ahead.
Dato'Sri Mohd Najib
Prime Minister of Malaysia
From Myanmar
On behalf of the people and Government of the Republic of the Union
of Myanmar, I have the great pleasure to extend to Your Excellency and
through you to the people of Sri Lanka our warmest greetings and
felicitations on the occasion of the 64th Anniversary of the
Independence Day of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
Thein Sen
President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar
From Cambodia
On the auspicious occasion of the Independence Day of the Democratic
Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on behalf of the Royal Government and
People of Cambodia, I have the great pleasure to extend my heartfelt
felicitations to Your Excellency and all my best wishes for happiness
and prosperity to the people of Sri Lanka.
I strongly believe that the good relations of friendship and
cooperation between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Democratic Socialist
Republic of Sri Lanka will be further strengthened and deepened for the
benefits of our two countries.
May I also take occasion to extend to Your Excellency my best wishes
for your good health and greater success in your noble tasks in the
years to come.
Hun Sen
Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia
From Thailand
On the occasion of the Independence Day of the Democratic Socialist
Republic of Sri Lanka, I have the honour to extend on behalf of the
Royal Thai Government and the Thai people, my sincere congratulations
and best wishes for the prosperity and progress of the Democratic
Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and her people.
Yingluck Shinawatra
Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand
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