February 04, Colombo (LNW): In his Independence Day message, President Ranil Wickremesinghe extended an invitation to all Sri Lankans, both within the country and abroad, urging them to channel their collective efforts towards the noble mission of national rebuilding.
Acknowledging the nation’s progressive achievements, President Wickremesinghe attributed these successes to the unwavering support of the citizens who endured challenges as part of a comprehensive, long-term national rebuilding programme.
In his address, the President expressed optimism that challenges faced on this journey would gradually dissipate, leading to a lighter burden on citizens, a fortified economy, and a renaissance for Mother Sri Lanka.
Reflecting on the country’s journey since gaining independence in 1948, President Wickremesinghe noted that global expectations had envisioned Sri Lanka as a developed nation in the East, given its favorable background.
However, acknowledging past deviations and economic challenges, he emphasised the need to learn from past mistakes and collectively commit to the current growth trajectory.
As Sri Lanka is globally acknowledged for its current growth trajectory, President Wickremesinghe called upon the nation to use Independence Day as a platform for a collective resolution to persist on the path of progress and restore prosperity.
Full Statement:
As we commemorated the 75th year of our nation’s independence, we encountered the indignity of being labeled a financially bankrupt country. Nevertheless, upon the advent of the 76th Independence Day, we have effectively navigated through these challenges, steering the economy toward stability despite numerous impediments and challenges.
Achievements were realised progressively, owing to the steadfast support of our citizens who endured hardships in keeping with a comprehensive, long-term national rebuilding programme. Throughout this journey, challenges will gradually dissipate, life’s burdens will lighten, the economy will fortify and Mother Sri Lanka will undergo a renaissance.
Upon gaining independence in 1948, global expectations envisioned Sri Lanka evolving into a developed nation in the East, given our favourable background. Regrettably, we deviated from this course and found ourselves grappling with economic difficulties.
It is imperative that we obtain insights from past mistakes and avoid their repetition. With the current growth trajectory acknowledged globally, let us collectively resolve on this Independence Day to persist on this path and reinstate prosperity.
I invite all Sri Lankans, at home and abroad, to contribute their utmost energy to the noble mission of rebuilding our nation.
