Many freedom struggles have aggrandized the story of human progress. We Sri Lankans too have inherited a long history of such struggles that brings forth memories of grief and glory — from the times of our kings to that of modern democracy. The nation is indebted to our forebears, whose selfless sacrifices have brought about the freedom, in which we breathe today.

We celebrate the 69th Independence Day anniversary this year at a challenging and decisive moment. The responsibility of strengthening the democratic freedom so that all communities could live with dignity lies on our shoulders. We have been able to overcome a dark era and illumine our insurmountable aspirations for democracy, freedom and human dignity. However, the realization of the true meanings of freedom and independence lies in our potential to free ourselves from the shackles of all kinds and forms of poverty, ill-health and confines of divisive identities of race, religion and caste, and enrich ourselves, as a society that values equity and rights of all.

We are a nation that deserves to live a prosperous life in a country where peace, justice and equality prevail.

It is my sincere wish that we prosper by vanquishing ignorance by knowledge, untruth by truth, hatred by compassion and violence by nonviolence and become a compassionate nation.