Today, we commemorate the 57th Independence Day at a moment when we are writing a new chapter of our history giving importance to perseverance, courage and self-confidence.
We commemorate our Independence Day with a feeling of great dignity and pride since we live in a country where its people have strong will power of winning any challenge with determination and courage.
The tragedy due to the violent tsunami tidal waves which lashed our country one month ago, has unveiled a new dimension for us to give a new look at our life. Apart from the consequences of the calamity, this disaster has given us the strength and spirit to build a new country. We have to harness this vitality to rebuild the nation with renewed endeavors and clear foresight.
During the tsunami disaster, thousands of our relatives and colleagues left us for ever. We pay our deep respects to those who succumbed to this unforeseen calamity. Let us set aside all our political, communal, religious, caste and tribal differences and work hand in hand with one another toward making our motherland a better land for tomorrow.
We have cut the first sod in building a new country with the cooperation of our colleagues, friendly governments, non-governmental organizations and well-wishers throughout the globe. Let us resolve to build a new country with their support and assistance. We shall build a country which will never shed tears in the future. We will make this horrendous disaster a foundation of a new era for our country.
Realizing the political, economic and social reforms in its true spirit, let us determine on this Independence Day to build a new nation where democracy pervades with peace, prosperity and happiness.
Mahinda Rajapakse
Prime Minister
