Independence Day celebrations in South:

Economic liberation entails true freedom - CM

Mahinda P.Liyanage- Galle Daily News Correspondent

The independence we enjoyed in the past was not an absolute one. To enjoy the bliss of freedom, we as a nation, should be economically liberated. At present, under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapkasa, the entire nation has embarked on a dignified mission of gaining economic independence essential to make the independence momentous, said Southern Province Chief Minister Shan Wijayalal de Silva. The Chief Minister was delivering his Independence Day message at the Galle district 65th Independence Day celebrations jointly organized by the Southern Provincial Council and Galle District Secretariat at Samanala Grounds, Galle on Monday.

Independence Day celebration in Galle. Picture by Mahinda P.Liyanage, Galle Daily News Corr

"Independence is safety. The value and significance of Independence is now realized by the people of this country which underwent various kinds of threats and catastrophes," he said. The Independence we obtained in 1948 was nominal and it was in 1972 that we emerged as a Republic with the introduction of the new constitution which ensured the nation political freedom.

However, we could not enjoy the true freedom due to three decades of separatist terrorism that plagued the nation until it was successfully defeated in 2009 under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa," he added.

"We were under three colonial rulers for over three centuries- the Portuguese, Dutch and finally the British during which time we felt the value of freedom.

"Although it is hailed that we achieved independence through peaceful negotiations, it was consequent to the arduous and sacrificial struggles of our patriotic heroes against foreign invaders," he said. On this memorable occasion, we should pay tribute to our national leaders whose sweat, blood and tears ushered the sublime freedom of the country, he said.

Among the invitees at the Independence Day celebrations were Southern Province Sports, Youth Affairs and Rural Development Minister U. G. D. Ariyathilake, Southern Provincial Council Deputy Chairman Chamly Withanachchi, Galle Deputy Mayor Kelum Senavirathne, Southern Province Chief Secretary R. M. B. S. Meegasmulla, Galle District Secretary Ravindra Hewawitharane and Southern Province Governor's Assistant Secretary E. P. I. G. Pathirane.