In line with the 78th National Independence Day celebrations, the Sri Lanka Army has promoted a total of 9,158 Other Ranks from both the Regular and Volunteer Forces to their respective next ranks.

Accordingly, promotions under the Other Ranks category included 260 Warrant Officers II promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer I, 1,211 Staff Sergeants elevated to Warrant Officer II, 1,704 Sergeants promoted to Staff Sergeant, 2,339 Corporals to Sergeant, 2,204 Lance Corporals to Corporal, and 1,440 Privates promoted to Lance Corporal from the Regular and Volunteer Forces.

A total of 49 prisoners will receive special presidential pardons today in conjunction with the 78th National Independence Day celebrations.

The pardons will be granted under the powers vested in the President by Article 34 of the Constitution.

According to the Department of Prisons, inmates currently serving sentences will be entitled to a remission of one week for each year already served. In addition, the remaining portions of sentences imposed on prisoners due to unpaid fines amounting to less than Rs. 75,000 will be commuted.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya called on all citizens to work together by setting aside narrow political interests in the pursuit of national progress, in her message marking the 78th National Independence Day.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa stressed the need to reflect honestly on Sri Lanka’s post-independence journey, acknowledging both achievements and shortcomings, while urging unity to safeguard democracy and national sovereignty.

The full messages issued by the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition are reproduced below:

Message from the Prime Minister on the 78th National Independence Day:

This is a time for all of us to work together, setting aside narrow political interests in the pursuit of national progress, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated in her Independence Day message.

The 78th National Independence Day is marked with renewed hope for freedom. We have now entered a new chapter with a people’s government formed through the collective will and effort of all citizens.
The Government has begun the task of building a nation for future generations, grounded in human values, strengthened by skills, and enriched by intellectual capacity. The time has come for every citizen to fulfil their responsibility to the motherland by contributing meaningfully to the building of a nation rooted in shared values.
We remain committed to achieving national priorities, including stabilizing the country on a strong economic foundation; advancing a new political vision that transforms political practice and redefines the role of the politician through a renewed political culture; guiding society with equality, dignity, and compassion; and addressing persistent rural poverty.
The Government is also focused on strengthening welfare mechanisms to ensure access for vulnerable social groups so that no one is left behind; advancing the digital transformation of the economy through modern science and technology; and presenting Sri Lanka to the international community as a nation guided by a non-aligned foreign policy, enabling engagement based on trust with all countries and peoples.
This is a time for all of us to work together, setting aside narrow political interests in the pursuit of national progress. As we mark the 78th National Independence Day, I invite all Sri Lankans to stand united with renewed confidence and determination, and to join in the shared task of shaping a new era of national renewal.

Message from the Leader of the Opposition on the 78th National Independence Day:

As we mark 78 years since gaining independence on February 4, 1948, it is vital to reflect on our history while firmly focusing on the future, stated the Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa in his Independence Day message.

As we mark 78 years since gaining independence on February 4, 1948, it is vital to reflect on our history while firmly focusing on the future.
When we objectively examine the country’s journey over the past 78 years without extremism, we can identify both significant achievements and serious setbacks.
It is essential that we understand these realities, critically assess them, and act decisively in the present to lay a strong foundation for a better future.
Over these 78 years, many commendable steps have been taken to safeguard democracy and to strengthen the economy, healthcare, education, social values, and cultural heritage.
At the same time, it must be acknowledged that the two civil conflicts arising from youth uprisings in the North and the South weakened the progress that should have accompanied the freedom we gained.
As a result, the living standards of our people have remained under strain when measured against the country’s Gross Domestic Product.
On this Independence Day, we must examine without rose-tinted glasses the challenges that have hindered national progress, including irrational political decisions and transfers of power driven by narrow agendas focused solely on political gain.
Indicators such as the Happiness Index and the Human Development Index do not reflect a satisfactory situation today.
Today, we are confronted not only with challenges to the free society, free economy, and free life envisioned at independence, but also with threats to democracy and the rule of law that were inherited alongside freedom.
Therefore, at this 78th Independence celebration, we have a responsibility to identify our national challenges with intelligence and critical thought, in order to strengthen and protect the sovereignty, independence, and people’s supremacy entrusted to us for future generations.
Accordingly, on this Independence Day, all political and civil organizations, as well as the entire population, must unite as Sri Lankans.
Our independence was not achieved through division based on race, religion, or any other distinction, but through unity. Today, what our nation needs most is that same spirit of unity.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has called on all citizens to join hands in unity, determination and brotherhood to rebuild Sri Lanka, in his message marking the 78th National Independence Day.

The President’s full Independence Day message is as follows:

President’s Independence Day Message:

As we mark 78 years since gaining independence on February 4, 1948, it is vital to reflect on our history while firmly focusing on the future.
When we objectively examine the country’s journey over the past 78 years without extremism, we can identify both significant achievements and serious setbacks.
It is essential that we understand these realities, critically assess them, and act decisively in the present to lay a strong foundation for a better future.
Over these 78 years, many commendable steps have been taken to safeguard democracy and to strengthen the economy, healthcare, education, social values, and cultural heritage.
At the same time, it must be acknowledged that the two civil conflicts arising from youth uprisings in the North and the South weakened the progress that should have accompanied the freedom we gained.
As a result, the living standards of our people have remained under strain when measured against the country’s Gross Domestic Product.
On this Independence Day, we must examine without rose-tinted glasses the challenges that have hindered national progress, including irrational political decisions and transfers of power driven by narrow agendas focused solely on political gain.
Indicators such as the Happiness Index, which considers per capita income, healthy life expectancy, physical and mental well-being, social cooperation, freedom of choice, generosity, and freedom from corruption, as well as key components of the Human Development Index, healthy life, quality education, and adequate living standards, do not reflect a satisfactory situation today.
Today, we are confronted not only with challenges to the free society, free economy, and free life envisioned at independence, but also with threats to democracy and the rule of law that were inherited alongside freedom.
These concerns must not be reduced to narrow political debates or dismissed as issues affecting only one side.
Therefore, at this 78th Independence celebration, we have a responsibility to identify our national challenges with intelligence and critical thought, in order to strengthen and protect the sovereignty, independence, and people’s supremacy entrusted to us for future generations.
We firmly believe that all democratic forces must work together to achieve this goal.
Accordingly, on this Independence Day, all political and civil organizations, as well as the entire population, must unite as Sri Lankans.
Our independence was not achieved through division based on race, religion, or any other distinction, but through unity. Today, what our nation needs most is that same spirit of unity.

Sri Lanka’s 78th National Independence Day, themed “Rebuilding Sri Lanka,” will be celebrated ceremoniously today (February 4) at the Independence Square in Colombo.

The main state ceremony will commence at the Independence Square under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, with the participation of national leaders, members of the armed forces, and other distinguished invitees.

The annual event marks Sri Lanka’s independence from colonial rule and highlights the country’s commitment to unity, renewal and national development under the chosen theme.

Several spells of shower will occur in Northern, North-central, Eastern and Uva provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya and Matale districts.

Showers or thundershowers are likely at a few places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 p.m.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle, Matara and Badulla districts during the early hours of the morning.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.