All citizens must enjoy the fruits of freedom

Today, we are celebrating the 67th anniversary of Independence while a civilized political culture is being created in our beloved motherland.
When the Father of the Nation, D.S. Senanayake, the first prime minister of Sri Lanka launched the independence struggle, the main weapon he used was the unity and brotherhood among the communities that lived in harmony in our country.
Once we gained independence, the challenge that we had to face was to safeguard that unity and march toward development of the country.
However, it was unfortunate that we could not achieve that goal successfully.
We have now, once again arrived at a period, during which we could realize that objective.
Groups that represent diverse communities, following different religions, political parties, civil organizations and various groups came together onto one platform, shedding their differences to achieve a common objective for the benefit of the nation.
Our aim is to emulate the dignified tradition of King Lichchavi, whereby people would meet peacefully, discuss issues peacefully and disperse peacefully, in order to ensure good governance and build a united and prosperous nation.
Let us resolve today, to achieve that noble objective, to give a real meaning to our independence.

Ranil Wickremesinghe
Prime Minister