Independence Day Messages
Let’s protect independence
Malwathu Chapter Mahanayake Ven Thibbatuwawe Sri
Siddhartha Sumangala Thera:
After Sri Lanka came under the British rule by the agreement signed
on March 2, 1815, they did not bestow independence upon us, but through
riots of 1818 and 1848 and subsequent political activities we have
gained national, religious, social, cultural, political and economic
independence, Mahanayake Thera of Syamopali Maha Nikaya – Malwathu
Chapter Most Ven Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala said in a message
to mark the 65th Independence Day.
The message:
People who lived under imperial power with many sufferings were well
aware of the value of independence. Main objective of independence
celebrations should be to educate the children and young generation on
national dignity and the service rendered by our National Heroes.
Independence becomes a reality not only by external independence,
which includes political, economic and social factors but with spiritual
independence, Sinhalese Buddhists endowed that noble spiritual
independence through Buddhism.
However, after the British period there was a decline in Buddhism,
morality, lifestyle, education, economy, governance and culture
resulting in hatred and estrangement, which brought the country to a
conflict. We can show our dignity to the world by building a prosperous
Sri Lanka by understanding the country's issues and by not divisions
based on race and religion.
To enjoy the independence gained, we must understand expectations of
the independence, compile future development plans and implement them
properly. What should be expected of is to drive the country forward as
a free nation by reducing peoples sufferings and implementing
development plans. Any development project will not be successful unless
harmony among races and religions are affirmed to protect the humanity.
All citizens of the country should determine to gain real achievements
of independence in this 65th Independent Day Celebrations. May the
Triple Gem bless you.”
Shed selfishness and work in unison to attain true independence
Asgiri Chapter Mahanayake Thera Udugama Sri
Buddharakhita Thera:
The cultural, social, economic and political trends which began with
the advent of Prince Vijaya made a great turning point with the arrival
of Arahat Mahinda Thera in building a Sri Lankan nation with a strong
and developed cultural, religious, social, political and economic
system, Asgiri Chapter Mahanayake Thera Most Ven Udugama Sri
Buddharakkhita Thera in an independence day message.
The message:
Our independence was lost with the arrival of Western colonial
powers.
Although Sri Lanka finally fell into the hands of British rulers the
struggle for independence launched by the patriots culminated with the
grant of Independence on February 4, 1948.
On the occasion of our 65th Independence day today we ought to
remember with gratitude all those who sacrificed their lives for the
sake of gaining independence.
Although there are various calls and demands economic, political,
social, religious and cultural, educational and various other forms of
independence today we should consider whether man could gain total
independence without desisting from sin and eliminating enmity, hatred,
jealousy, selfishness and vanity from his mind and thoughts.
I regret to state that although we enjoy some degree of freedom today
we have suffered attitudinal degeneration due to these debased values.
Compared to other countries which attained independence at the same
time like us, we have attained very slow progress due conflicts based on
selfishness.
Although the motherland had been liberated from terrorism we feel
that we have been unable to divert towards meaningful development due to
the lack of a common vision among Sri Lankans and the lack of a common
national policy. We believe that the independence attained would not be
rewarding until all citizens shed selfishness and work in unison.
Therefore “Sanghavijaddhavam, Sanvadattivam sang o Manangsi Janathami”
mentioned in the Upanishad literature should be the motto on the
occasion of our 65th Independence Day for all citizens who genuinely
desire the development and progress of the motherland. This means march,
speak and think in unity. The time has come for all to adhere to
Buddha’s words “Samagga Hotha ma Vivadhatha” work in unity without being
disunited.
While invoking the blessings of the noble Triple Gem and the Sacred
Tooth Relic for the success of the 65th Independence Day celebrations, I
wish to extend my greetings and sincere good wishes to all Sri Lankan
people.
Let’s unite to live peacefully
Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith:
The way this country is built up for all nationalities to live in
harmony as a one family in independence and with territorial integrity,
is a reflection of the sovereignty of people, Archbishop of Colombo
Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith said issuing an independence day message.
The message:
He said, We, Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim and Burgher all should join our
hands together, like children under the same flag by building-up
reconciliation. Let’s unite to live peacefully in this beautiful island,
respecting beliefs of each other and not dividing upon religion. Let’s
join together as people who love their motherland in this 65th
Independence Day commemoration to prevent internal crisis and to build a
peaceful society. For that purpose, I wish strength to every citizen
including political leaders”.
Every citizen should perform to make independence more meaningful
Sri Lanka Ramagna Nikaya Mahanayake Ven Napana
Pemasiri Thera:
Today, Sri Lankans are celebrating their 65th Independence Day. Great
Britain Conventionally granted Sri Lanka the Independence on February
04, 1948. Since then 65 years have passed, we failed to achieve a
satisfied economic and cultural development, Most Ven Napana Pemasiri
Maha Nayaka Thera of Sri Lanka Ramagna Maha Nikaya said in an
Independence Day message.
The message:
It can be seen when compared to the rapid economic development
achieved in last 50 yeas by Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand
and Japan, which were among the Third World countries. With the
independence obtained we had to depend on local resources and self
courage to gain achievements in the fields of economic, culture and
education.
D S Senanayake and S W R D Bandaranaiake who were former Prime
Ministers were well aware of it. What would assure our lives if it was
not the giant agricultural development project that was launched by D S
Senanayake through many challenges. His untimely death was an
irreparable loss to the nation.
Premier Bandaranaike had just started to develop the economy, culture
and education by obtaining the contribution of clergy, doctors,
teachers, farmers and labourers, who are the relevant forces required
and with inception of Pirivena and universities to develop the country.
He was assassinated by local and foreign imperial forces. Prime
Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike though restarted the project, she also
failed due to the political instability. The open economy, which was
introduced in 1977 by J R Jayewardene as the solution for all these
issues completely changed the society.
Nation was morally destroyed. The only result was the terrorism which
prevailed for 30 years retarding the country’s development. Three
consequent presidents failed to eradicate terrorism.
We were fortunate that President Mahinda Rajapaksa came into power
when the whole country was in disaster due to terrorism.
He united our motherland by defeating Prabhakaran and imperial
forces.
He has also been able to bring achievements in economy, education and
politics in the country. “It is the duty of every Sri Lankan to
contribute to the mission of the President, which is to build a
prosperous Sri Lanka. Every citizen is kindly requested to perform their
duty and responsibility to gain the complete independence to Sri Lanka”.
Let us defeat international conspiracies on behalf of country
Amarapura Maha Nikaya Mahanayaka Ven Davuldena
Gnanissara Thera:
Let us determine to act as a one nation without considering race,
religion and political views to buildup a prosperous and peaceful
country, Most Ven Davuldena Gnanissara Mahanayaka Thera of Amarapura
Maha Nikaya said in an Independence day message.
The message:
This is the 65th Independence Day celebrations, since it was granted
by British on February 4, 1948. I think it is the most important day to
review what happened to us as a country within the past 65 years.
Indicators that measure the prosperity or decline of a country are
not always alike.
It depends on geographical, climatic, political, cultural and
religious backgrounds of a country. Our Country is an island.
Climatic features of many countries can be seen in our country thanks
to nature. We face minimum natural disasters.
It is a multi-religious and multicultural country.
Therefore, the development or decline of our country may depend on
unique factors that may be absent in other countries. Though the first
parliament was established on 1947 with recommendations of the Soulbury
Commission as a democratic administrative body, because the constitution
included many imperialistic bonds, it was amended as a republican
constitution on 1972.
It was amended again on 1977 as a democratic republic constitution
that introduced a free economic policy.
Through linking with the world economy, our rulers themselves are
responsible of the decline occurred in domestic products. We are
suffering from its results even today.
Furthermore, by provoking racism imperialists had created a war in
our country. A small country like our’s can not afford such a loss of
lives and property.
However, majority accepted that it has ended to a certain extent on
May 19, 2009. Thenceforth, majority of this country wished to develop
this country without dividing it based on race, religion or political
views.
It was said, “There will no longer be minorities. There will only be
a one nation; one country”.
The public responded to it. Unfortunately, it seems that racists and
religious extremists with their private agendas are trying to gain what
they couldn’t get through war through international conspiracies.
Actually, is there any reason that one cannot think this as their
motherland and live in harmony? Certainly not. If some one refuses, it
is because of their desire for power.
There is one truth that these kind of people are trying to hide from
the international community.
That is they have the liberty to live in any place of this island and
the religious freedom. They do not say that they live in any region of
the country engaged in a desired profession.
They are purposely hiding this message of freedom from the world.
Therefore, let us determine to act as a one nation without
considering race, religion and political views to buildup a prosperous
and peaceful country.
“It is our independence message. Let us defeat all international
conspiracies on behalf of the country.
May the Triple Gem bless every citizen!”
All communities must rise in unity – President
We Sri Lankans who have sacrificed immensely to ensure the
sovereignty of the nation, celebrate this 65th National Independence Day
with utmost pride, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said.
The President in an Independence Day message said: “ The nation has
embarked on a path of development which has made freedom really
meaningful.
This is a very difficult and challenging task, the fulfillment of
which would bring both justice and prosperity to the nation. The time
has now dawned when you and your children need not to think with fear
and suspicion about the future.
“We have acted with a firm commitment to defeat local and foreign
forces ranged against the country. Even when the leadership is faced
with difficult and challenging situations, we have a principled
commitment not to betray the country. In doing so, we derive immense
strength from the enormous cooperation we receive from the people.
“Unity among communities and religious harmony are vital factors for
the development of the country. Divisions among us will strengthen
various hostile forces seeking to deny us our freedom. When all
communities rise in unity, the forces hostile to the country will be
weakened and freedom further strengthened. We celebrate the 65th
anniversary of independence with firm determination and clear commitment
to national unity.
“We salute and pay our homage to all patriots who have made the
supreme sacrifice to safeguard the freedom and sovereignty of the
nation.”
Join hands and work for country – PM
Sri Lanka’s 65th anniversary of Independence which falls today,
brings utmost pride and happiness to all Sri Lankans, Prime Minister D M
Jayaratne said.
The Prime Minister in an Independence Day message said: “During the
past six decades, the country’s advancement in the socio - economic
field had been phenomenal. Though there had been few set-backs they were
overcome with the bravery, courage, determination and commitment of our
people. The ruthless LTTE terrorism that plagued the country for nearly
three decades was one such formidable threat that disrupted the peace
and economy of the country. That too was overwhelmingly defeated through
the wise leadership and the guidance of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
“With the defeat of LTTE terrorism, many ambitious development
projects were launched in the North and East. The resettlement of the
displaced had been completed. Damaged houses, schools, hospitals and
roadways have been repaired. There is resuscitation of agriculture,
irrigation facilities, fisheries and industries in these areas.
“Visiting foreign dignitaries, specially those of the World Bank, ADB
and foreign diplomats, are amazed at the rapid socio - economic
development taken place in these areas within three years.
“The benefits of rapid socio - economic development that had taken
place in the country after the defeat of terrorism has trickled down to
every part of the country. The programmes such as, Gama Neguma, Gemi
Diriya, Divi Neguma etc under the Mahinda Chinthana vision for the
future contribute immensely for the uplift of the economic and living
standard of the people.
“The network of roads, expressways, high rise buildings, shopping
malls, residential towers, and hotel complexes testify to the growing
strength of the country’s economy. Peace and tranquility in the country
has attracted tourists into the country in large numbers. The increased
interest shown by foreign investors in the share market is ample
testimony to a robust economy.
“Mega projects like Hambantota Harbour, Colombo Harbour Development
Project, Southern Express Highway, Norochcholai Power Plant, Upper
Kothmale Project, Airport at Mattala, Colombo-Katunayake Express Highway
and large irrigation projects that are under way evoke pride to the
entire nation. “During a period when such unprecedented development
activities are in full swing in the country, it is incumbent on all
citizens to cooperate and assist the government in its development
effort. Let us resolve ourselves on this Independence Day to join hands
to work together as patriotic citizens for the common good and
advancement of our Motherland.”
People’s behaviour restricts and dispossess freedom
Mass Media and Information Minister:
Supremacy of Sri Lanka, which has been a free, Sovereign,
Independent, Democratic, Socialist, Republic, is its people.
People have the freedom of thought, conscience and religion as well
as the freedom of speech and expression within this State, Mass Media
and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukkwelle said in an independence
day message.
The message:
It has guaranteed the total freedom required for a peaceful and
prosperous life including the freedom of peaceful assembly, association,
forming and joining a trade union, enjoying and promoting one’s own
culture and using one’s own language and the freedom of movement and
choosing one’s residence.
Sri Lankans today commemorate in a grand scale the 65th Independence
Day in the path of freedom, where this country has been relieved from
the shackles of Colonization in 1948 and converted into a Republic
State.
It is true that the citizens could not enjoy total freedom entitled
to them during this period.
The country has been devoid of its freedom for nearly a half of the
past 65 years due to the terrorist war.
The people could neither move freely within the country without fear
nor could live with hope for tomorrow.
It is the prime responsibility and the duty of a true Head of State,
who loves the country, to free the motherland and its people when the
unity of the country is threatened and the spiritual freedom is
restricted.
Ensuring this public trust, President Mahinda Rajapaksa has
transformed this country again into an independent and unitary country
in 2009. So far, we have passed only four years from achieving this
supreme freedom, of which we could be proud as a nation.
The country has been directed towards the path for victory by
suppressing the long-duration of defeats.
Avenues have been opened for economic achievements, which has been a
difficult task.
The government intends to convert Sri Lanka a proud nation in the
world by making this country self-sufficient and prospering its people.
It is the behaviour of people, which restricts and dispossess
freedom. The man himself fights for freedom as well. We will vow on this
65th Commemoration of the Independence Day to endow the future
generation with a prosperous country while enjoying the freedom achieved
by uniting as a country.
The tribute of the nation should be for all the patriots who have
sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the nation”.
Hard to resist all evil forces
Ramakrishna Mission Vice President/Chairman Swami
Sarvarupananda:
As we step into the 65th year of our emancipation from foreign
domination, let us all pray to the Lord who dispenses all our happiness
and sorrow to shower His choicest blessing on Sri Lankans and to the
whole humanity at large, so that we all live in peace, harmony,
happiness and prosperity, Ramakrishna Mission Vice President/Chairman
Swami Sarvarupananda said in an independence day message.
The message:
Also let us look back on the ideals and aspirations of our beloved
forefathers who strove hard to build up a united, prosperous and
peaceful Sri Lanka. On this day let us pledge to work hard to resist all
evil forces tending to weaken the society economically, morally and
spiritually, and give our best to the nation on its onward march.
May we re-dedicate ourselves and resolve to make those ideals and
aspirations a reality. It is also our duty on this special day to pay
our homage to all the past leaders of the nation, who dedicated their
lives for the development of the nation.
I quote the convocation address given by the Guru to his students,
after the completion of their education, before leaving from the
Gurukula system of education. May the Lord protect us both, may the Lord
nourish us both.
We both, work together with great energy. May our study vigorous and
fruitful in our daily life, and the love and harmony dwell amongst us.
The flowering of personality and ones satisfaction and contentment
towards excellence depends upon the balanced development of, the body,
mind, intellect and the heart.
If we believe in God that is the centre of all religions, and that
each of us is moving towards him along one of these radii, then it is
certain that all of us must reach that centre. And at the centre, where
all the radii meet, all our differences will cease. On this 65th
Independence Day Celebrations, I pray the Lord to show his choicest
blessings on the President, Prime Minister, Ministers and all the others
who are working for the Country’s onward march in every spheres of the
Nation’s development and peace.
Independence gives true meaning to sovereignty
Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister:
Independence Day of Sri Lanka can be highlighted as the day which
gives true meaning to the sovereignty and unity of the motherland which
is the result of a courageous struggle. At this moment we commemorate
heroes of our motherland who fought during the past as well as recent
history to defeat enemy forces and terrorism. May 19, 2009 marks the
commencement of the golden era which is written in the history of our
motherland, Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister W. D. J.
Seneviratne said in an independence day message said.
The message:
Sri Lanka, once a tiny island of the world map has become the centre
of attention today as a country which emerges from dust and ashes. Today
we are lucky to be the heirs of a revolutionary change made by the
present political leadership who took the reins to liberate the country
bringing back the memories of glorious kings who made history as great
warriors.
The positive fact we experience today is the position now our country
holds as a developing country leaving behind the story of an undeveloped
and poor country. At present we are achieving the huge challenge to make
our motherland the Wonder of Asia, which was cursed with terrorism. At a
time when the world is facing an economic recession the effort made by
us by way of constructing highways and expressways, giant bridges, power
stations, ports and airports whilst enhancing the resource base is truly
swimming against current.
Republic constitution of 1972 has given real meaning of the
independence we won in 1948. The year 2009 is the turning point of the
independence in the true sense of word which spread all over the country
with great resonance. The whole nation is today blessed with a life
devoid of every fear.
The country which was the victim of terrorism for a long time is now
having a new breath. The city of Colombo witnesses a huge change.
Colombo will be transformed to the cleanest city of the world,
attracting foreigners to the country.
At present many plans are implemented to develop the remote areas as
well as Colombo city. Deyata Kirula Programmes serves as a steady base
for this purpose.
We are determined to achieve many targets by 2016 and the people of
the country commend our programme to celebrate Independence Day at
different cities starting from Kandy. The reason is that the people of
the respective area can be the witnesses of a glorious ceremony whilst
being the beneficiary of many services and infrastructure facilities
provided to relevant district and province.
The 65th Independence Day celebration is held in Trincomalee after
Kataragama and Anuradhapura inspiring the people of Eastern Province.
Trincomalee which is the main administrative district of the Eastern
Province is highly important in historical and archaeological aspects.
How terrifying the situation was, during the period when the LTTE
terrorism was the main power of this enchanting area which won tourist
attraction? The hearts of the people which have once become the victims
of terror will be reawakened by the applause for the day of
independence. They will gather in thousands to be the eye witnesses of
pride of Independence Day celebrations at a moment when the message of
freedom and harmony is delivered in every corner of the country. So this
will definitely be a cherished moment of their lives”. |