Independence should be meaningful - Mahanayake of Malwatu Chapter

COLOMBO (News 1st);  The Independence we obtained from foreign invaders should be made meaningful through economic, social, and attitudinal freedom, said Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thero, the Mahanayake of the Malwathu Chapter on Friday (4). " We have a proud history that runs over 2500 years and have won fame both in the East and the West for self-sufficiency in food security. To achieve such prosperity, the ancient kings did not risk the nation at foreign borrowings but implemented friendly socio-political and economic policies while promoting national harmony," the Venerable Thero added. "Therefore, it is high time we established agriculture as the foundation of the local economy. At the same time, the gravest hazard that stands on the national rejuvenation is corruption and poverty. Therefore, the machination of the ruling Government should hurry up to prepare a correct policy framework of a correct vision, determination, and discipline to fight corruption and poverty," the Mahanayake noted. Message by the Chief Prelate of the Malwatu Chapter of Syamopali Sect. We ceremonially mark February 04 the day we established an Independent State after freedom from the British Colonial Rule for 133 years. The Independence we obtained from foreign invaders should be made meaningful through economic, social, and attitudinal freedom. However, it is high time we thought again and again whether we, as Sri Lankans were able to evolve an economic, social, and political vision of our own identity during the last 74 years since 1948. There are a lot of economic and social stumbling blocks are standing in our way today. No doubt these challenges would be able to be overcome through a host of sustainable and national policy frameworks based on a homegrown concept. We have a proud history that runs over 2500 years and have won fame both in the East and the West for self-sufficiency in food security. To achieve such prosperity, the ancient kings did not risk the nation at foreign borrowings but implemented friendly socio-political and economic policies while promoting national harmony. Therefore, it is high time we established agriculture as the foundation of the local economy. At the same time, the gravest hazard that stands on the national rejuvenation is corruption and poverty. Therefore, the machination of the ruling Government should hurry up to prepare a correct policy framework of a correct vision, determination, and discipline to fight corruption and poverty. It is hereby reiterated that the duty by all Sri Lankans is to commemorate the freedom fighters and war heroes who risked their lives for the independence, sovereignty, and safety of our motherland, and pass on merit on them on this 74th Independence Day. At the same time, May Triple Gem bless the entire population of this country to enable them to reach prosperity by giving true meaning to the Independence we won, and assure the goals of Freedom irrespective of petty differences including political and religious faiths. The Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala. The Chief Prelate of the Malwatu Chapter of Syamopali Sect. Malwatu Temple, Kandy.