The National Day this year is a solemn occasion for all Sri Lankans to remember with humility the unprecedented devastation caused by the tsunami, which struck Sri Lanka on Dec. 26, 2004.
This day will be etched in our country’s history as a day on which nature proved to us that all manmade divisions — of caste, religion and ethnicity — are of no real significance. The tsunami struck all those in its path without any discrimination whatsoever.
It was reassuring to realize that kindness and empathy for fellow beings, although not always evident, exists among us in abundance. It was indeed comforting to hear of the numerous acts of bravery, sacrifice and goodwill displayed by our people during and after the disaster.
I take this opportunity to thank the international community for its overwhelming response to Sri Lanka’s appeal for assistance in the aftermath of the tsunami. Not only foreign governments, but private individuals — both Sri Lankan and foreign — civil society, religious and other organizations came forward in a remarkable way to help those affected to resume their normal lives.
I have a special word of appreciation for the expatriate Sri Lankan community and other well-wishers who have contributed generously, including through Sri Lankan Missions abroad, the massive national rebuilding program which is already under way. As we slowly come of this tragedy, let us address a silent prayer for all those who lost their lives on that fateful day.
Let us also resolve, as we commemorate this National Day, to set aside our differences and work together to rebuild our country, so that future generations of Sri Lankan could have a better tomorrow.
Lakshman Kadirgamar
Minister of Foreign Affairs
