Most Venerable Maha Sangha,
Respected religious dignitaries from the Hindu, Muslim and Christian faiths,
Hon. A. R. Thondaman, Minister of Youth Empowerment and Socio-Economic Development
Distinguished invitees
Ladies  & Gentleman

It is indeed a pleasure to welcome you all on this historic occasion as our country celebrates 59 years of regaining our independence. On this occasion, I wish to recall and acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices made by our forefathers and many of our leaders during the pre-independence era, whose untiring efforts have made the freedom we enjoy today possible. Their extraordinary devotion to duty is a reminder to all of us that our country’s diversity is not a cause for division, but instead, our greatest strength.

As H. E President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his message has said, our, “freedom was won, not for any single community but for all, which includes the Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, Burghers, Malays and all others who comprise the Sri Lankan nation” and that “freedom is our right to decide our own destinies without being subservient to any external forces. Having thus taken charge of our destinies, we are faced with a great responsibility”.

We now have the responsibility to build a future worthy of the sacrifices made by our forefathers and our leaders. We are duty bound to ensure that Sri Lanka moves forward in all fronts, including in the economic, educational and all other spheres, both at home and abroad and it is incumbent on all of us gathered here today, to make this a reality.

However, as you all know, Sri Lanka, while being engaged in a defensive action to protect its citizens and its territorial integrity and sovereignty, is also deeply committed to finding a lasting political solution to the ethnic conflict which has plagued our beloved country for over two decades. The All Party Representative Committee [APRC] is in the process of finalising its report which we are all hopeful, will pave the way towards a political solution and permanent peace in the near future. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “Unity to be real must stand the severest strain without breaking.”

India, being Sri Lanka’s nearest neighbour, has been supportive of our efforts and has been closely associated with Sri Lanka since time immemorial. We also shares many close links with this great nation, which fought a long and hard battle for its independence.

As neighbours Sri Lanka and India share many similarities and links with each other including cultural, historical, lingual, religious and food habits among others.  Among the most prominent physical links shared is Palk  Strait which links our two lands  together.

Our relations with Southern India is deep rooted and dates back to centuries.

In Sri Lanka Tamil is an official language spoken by 25% of her population.

As stated in the statement of H.E. the President the Freedom is an endless process that does not end with its initial achievement.  It is something to be won, cherished and sustained.

I am sure Sri Lanka, under the leadership of H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa is marching towards sustaining the freedom that we gained 59 years ago.

I wish you all, peace, happiness and prosperity.

Thank you.