President’s Independence Day Message

If one is to truly fathom the value of independence, it is essential to understand the pain being oppressed and subservient in the face of a foreign power. This is why we are grateful to all our heroes who sacrificed their lives in order to restore and sustain our nation’s independence. On a day like today, when the value of freedom is commemorated, the nation pays tribute to its true patriots whose contribution to our motherland is invaluable. 

As Sri Lanka celebrates seven decades of independence, it is appropriate to reflect on how far we have come as a nation. In terms of achieving human development, and various social, economic, and political challenges we were faced with, the progress we have achieved over this period is laudable. 

I believe that as a nation with a unique identity, we have what it takes to overcome any challenge. We have proven it throughout our history. Today, we must show once again that Sri Lanka is a nation that can rise within a short span of time. We have to undertake many a mission, including achieving inclusive green growth, national reconciliation, and uplifting the quality and competitiveness of our human capital in a global scale. 

We must also remember that true freedom does not comprise only of political freedom. Our independence is not complete until economic and cultural freedom is achieved. In our journey towards economic freedom, this year is a crucial one. 

As a country, our future successes lie in our commitment to achieve long term goals with firm determination, as we have done in the past. Completion of the Moragahakanda reservoir as the last massive step in the Mahaweli development programme is a testimony to our perseverance and commitment to meet such long term goals.   This year has been declared the “National Food Production Year”, with hopes to reach the goal of food security, a dream that our nation has had since independence. 

On this occasion that we celebrate seven decades of Independence, I pledge to fulfil all my duties towards mother Lanka, and I emphasize that our true strength is in our unity and determination.

Maithripala Sirisena

February 4, 2018

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Prime Minister’s Independence Day Message

This year, we celebrate 70 years of independence from colonial rule. It is an occasion for us to remember that we were only able to achieve independence with the participation of all communities coming together towards a common goal. 

It is our responsibility to keep in mind that true independence is only possible when we can unite as one nation, rising above political, religious and ethnic differences.  Only then is independence truly significant and meaningful to all. 

Freedom is fulfilled when human dignity and spiritual liberty is attained - in addition to social, political and economic freedom. 

Since being elected to power, our Government has consistently focused on creating the right social and political climate needed to build a society that is indeed free and stable. 

Under a theme of One Nation, the 70th Independence Day celebrations that are held today, reflect our legacy as a free nation. My hope is to see all Sri Lanka unite as one to sustain freedom for all. 

Let's strive to be a people truly committed to our nation's progress on this Independence Day. 

Ranil Wickremesinghe

Prime Minister

February 4, 2018

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Foreign Minister’s Independence Day Message

Today, as Sri Lanka celebrates her 70th Anniversary of Independence, I wish to convey my warm greetings to all Sri Lankans residing in the country as well as in various parts of the world. On this solemn occasion, I would like to pay homage not only to those who fought hard to gain independence, but also to the thousands who subsequently sacrificed their lives to safeguard this independence. 

Each anniversary of Independence is an important milestone in our journey for us to reflect on our achievements during the past and evaluate the challenges lying ahead. Sri Lanka, as a nation, can be proud of its performance in the past and its commitment to democratic traditions including the Rule of Law, achievements made in important areas such as education and health as well as the talented human capital of the country, which is its most valuable asset. However, unfortunately, our progress had been hindered and marred by conflict. 

With that traumatic past behind us, all Sri Lankans should now work together, shedding their differences, to create a better future for the generations to come and to compensate for the lost opportunities due to various reasons. We must endeavor to create a new Sri Lanka, where reconciliation and sustainable peace would reign along with economic prosperity. This is the firm resolve that we, as Sri Lankans, must make when we celebrate the 70th Anniversary of our Independence. In this context, the Government is committed to redouble its efforts to meaningfully develop the country with a view to increasing productivity and connectivity, and creating a firm foundation for all Sri Lankans to emerge as a strong nation in the region and the world. 

Tilak Marapana, PC, MP

Minister of Foreign Affairs

4th February 2018

PDF Document – English,             PDF Document - Sinhala,         PDF Document -Tamil